Definition

1. Noun:

   • Largest and lowest member of the violin family: A very large, deep-toned stringed instrument, also commonly called the double bass or upright bass, which is played while standing or seated on a high stool.
   • A musical instrument with the lowest pitch in its family: This meaning can extend to other instrument families (like the clarinet) where "contrabass" designates the largest, lowest-pitched variant.

2. Adjective:

   • Pitched an octave below the normal bass range: Describes an instrument or voice that produces sounds in an extremely low register, an octave lower than the standard bass instrument.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The jazz ensemble's rhythm section was anchored by a steady contrabass.
  • He specializes in playing the contrabass clarinet, an instrument with a remarkably deep sound.

• Adjective:

  • The composer wrote a part for a contrabass trombone.
  • Her contrabass voice is so rare and powerful it can be felt as much as heard.

Advanced Usage

• In orchestral context: The contrabass (double bass) provides the foundational harmonic and rhythmic support in an orchestra, often playing the bass line.

  • The contrabass section entered with a powerful, low pizzicato.

• In instrument naming: The prefix "contra-" indicates an instrument is pitched below the standard bass instrument of its family.

  • Besides the contrabassoon, there is also a contrabass saxophone.

Variants and Related Words

• Double bass (n): The most common synonym for the contrabass string instrument.
• Upright bass (n): Another common term, especially in jazz and folk music.
• Bass (n): A general term for low-pitched instruments or voices; the contrabass is the lowest of these.
• Contrabassist (n): A musician who plays the contrabass.

Synonyms

• Double bass: (for the string instrument)
• String bass: (for the string instrument)
• Low-pitched instrument: (general descriptive term)

Related Phrases

• Contrabass clef: A rare clef used in notation for very low-pitched instruments.
  • The part was written in contrabass clef to avoid excessive ledger lines.
• Contrabass range: Refers to the specific spectrum of very low musical notes.
  • Few singers can comfortably perform in the contrabass range.

Adjective

1. pitched an octave below normal bass instrumental or vocal range
   • contrabass or double-bass clarinet

Noun

1. largest and lowest member of the violin family