Kontrabassoja

Kontrabassoja is a Finnish term referring to double basses. The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra. It is a member of the violin family, though it has a more distant relationship to the viol family. The instrument is played upright, standing or sitting on a stool, and the player typically uses a French or German bow grip.

The construction of a double bass differs in several ways from other string instruments. It typically has a thicker body, a longer neck, and strings that are considerably thicker and of a lower tension. Its tuning is usually in fourths (E-A-D-G), unlike the violins and violas which are tuned in fifths. This tuning facilitates the playing of larger intervals and can contribute to the instrument's characteristic deep sound.

The double bass plays a crucial role in orchestral music, providing the harmonic foundation and rhythmic drive. It is also an essential instrument in jazz ensembles, where its improvisational capabilities and distinctive walking bass lines are highly valued. Beyond classical and jazz, the double bass is found in various other genres, including bluegrass, rockabilly, and folk music. Its versatility and powerful sound make it a fundamental instrument in a wide range of musical settings.