This bilingual volume in German and English is devoted to expanding the use of upper positions, introducing new bowing strokes and developing a versatile bowing technique. The new positions are first presented, in accordance with tried and tested Sassmannshaus methodology, by means of songs and exercises that the learner has already mastered, and then practiced with a wide range of duets and recital pieces in contrasting styles. Besides classical double bass literature, the volume also includes new arrangements from the string repertoire and original pieces by Boguslaw Furtok specially tailored to this tutor.

To promote ensemble playing, several of the pieces are given a piano accompaniment enclosed as a separate part.

Other contents of Volume 3 include fundamental ornaments, harmonics and a new rhythmic unit: the triplet.

As follow-up material, we recommend "Concert Pieces for Double Bass and Piano" (BA 9696), a collection of effective yet easily learnt pieces compiled by the same team of authors, forming a bridge to the standard concert repertoire for double bass.

The authors
Bärenreiter's double bass tutor was written by J. Peter Close and Holger Sassmannshaus on the basis of preparatory work by Egon Sassmannshaus and the double bass teacher Ulrich Schwarz. "Früher Anfang auf dem Kontrabass" transfers the principles and experience gained from the violin tutor, combining them with modern methods of double bass playing to ensure quick progress on this special instrument.

Holger Sassmannshaus, the son of Egon Sassmannshaus, is a double bass player in the Lower Rhine Symphony in Mönchengladbach/Krefeld. He also teaches double bass and plays in other ensembles.

J. Peter Close, Egon Sassmannshaus's son-in-law, works as a cello and double bass teacher in Munich.

The combined knowledge and experience of the Sassmannshaus/Close family makes these three volumes the most thoroughly researched and thought-through double bass tutor for beginners all over the world.