The daddy of the string family, the double bass is the largest and lowest stringed instrument. Being so large it’s usually played sitting on a high stool or standing up, and the basses sit at the very back of the orchestra. Because of its size it’s physically demanding to play – just pressing down the thick strings requires a lot of effort!

Like the other stringed instruments it’s played with a bow or plucked and had four strings. Some double basses have an extension on their lowest string to play even lower notes. The notes are so low that it’s not a very loud instrument and so there’s often up to 10 or 12 bassists in the orchestra to provide enough volume.

• The double bass’ strings are usually tuned to E, A, D and G, but unlike the others in the string family this can vary from country to country, depending on traditions • Solo parts for orchestral double bassists are rare as its size makes intricate writing more difficult • Double Basses can often be found moonlighting in wind and brass ensembles! • The biggest Double Bass was built in Paris in 1850 and was 3.5 metres tall