As a double bass teacher, I am constantly on the lookout for materials that can effectively introduce my students to the nuances of thumb position. Discovering “Daumenlage” by Charlotte Mohrs has been nothing short of transformative. This book has quickly become my go-to resource for teaching thumb position, and it’s easy to see why—it is an exceptional blend of pedagogy, musicality, and accessibility.
What makes “Daumenlage” so outstanding is its progressive structure. The exercises are thoughtfully sequenced, guiding students step by step into mastering thumb position with ease. The clear explanations of the positions are incredibly helpful, especially for beginners who might find this aspect of double bass playing daunting. The scales and exercises included are not only practical but are also essential tools for building a reliable technique.
One of the book’s most charming features is its beautiful and enjoyable repertoire of songs. These pieces are not just exercises; they are engaging, fun to play, and bring a sense of accomplishment to the student. The fact that many songs are repeated in different positions, as the author points out, is brilliant—it allows students to check their intonation and solidify their understanding of the finger shapes and positions.
Adding to the book’s appeal is the inclusion of an easy piano accompaniment for the pieces. Even those with little to no piano experience can manage these parts, making lessons far more interactive and enjoyable. As a teacher, I’ve found that playing these accompaniments with my students creates a dynamic and motivating learning environment.
Charlotte Mohrs herself beautifully sums up the purpose and strengths of the book:
“This book is designed to introduce you to playing in thumb positions on the double bass. It is structured to make learning thumb technique easy and fun, using simple exercises and familiar tunes that are easy to play.”
Another highlight is the way “Daumenlage” prepares students for future challenges. As Mohrs notes:
“Moving into higher positions opens the door to more advanced double bass repertoire and expressive solo playing. This will extend your range for performance and enable you to play lovely new pieces on your instrument.”
In short, “Daumenlage” is more than just a teaching tool; it’s an invaluable companion for both students and teachers. Its combination of thoughtful pedagogy, enjoyable repertoire, and accessible piano accompaniments makes learning thumb position not only achievable but deeply enjoyable. I cannot recommend this book highly enough—it is a must-have for every double bass teacher and student!
Martin Rosso