A lot of intonation practice happens in ideal conditions: slow tempos, simple bow strokes, full attention on the left hand. And that’s a great place to start! But it’s a good idea to also practice intonation in a way that’s close to how it’ll be on a gig or in a rehearsal – when you’re thinking about several things at once.
That’s the idea behind today’s exercise, Hornet’s Nest, which you can find in my free intonation exercise packet.
What the Exercise Is
Hornet’s Nest is both a string crossing exercise and an intonation exercise. It combines shifting patterns with changing bow patterns, meaning your attention is split, which is why it’s a great workout. In real playing, your focus is never on just one thing, and that’s what we’re working on in this exercise.
What to Focus On
Because there’s a lot going on, it helps to know where to direct your attention.
- On the left hand: Make sure you’re not squeezing. A tight grip creates tension, tension creates fatigue, and fatigue is one of the fastest ways to lose your intonation. Instead, keep the hand easy and relaxed, and aim to play on the tips of your fingers rather than the soft pad. That gives you more precision and control on each note.
- On the shifts: Even with the bow pattern pulling at your attention, try to really land each shift at the center of the pitch. This is the whole challenge of the exercise, maintaining that focus when something else is competing for it.
- On the bow: Each of the three patterns in the exercise has a slightly different bow pattern. Part of what makes this exercise useful is that the bow keeps changing, so you can’t go on autopilot. Stay present.
How to Practice It
Put your drone on A and a metronome at a comfortable tempo. I aim for 120 for the quarter note, but start as slow as you need to at first. As the exercise starts to feel manageable, push the tempo faster. The goal is to get to a point where you can focus on your intonation while the bow pattern is demanding your attention.
Want More Exercises Like This?
You can find Hornet’s Nest along with several other intonation exercises in my free Intonation Exercise Packet.
For more of Lauren’s insights, visit her Technique Tuesday series and sign up for the Double Bass HQ newsletter to have the series delivered to your inbox each week.
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