“Mr Heyes loves harmonics!” was a comment by a young student of David Heyes in 1994 and in the intervening 31 years nothing has changed.…
“Mr Heyes loves harmonics!” was a comment by a young student of David Heyes in 1994 and in the intervening 31 years nothing has changed. David is on a mission to encourage young bassists of all ages to explore the entire range of the double bass, especially harmonics, and to enthuse them about a part of the instrument which is often not tackled until they progress to playing more advanced repertoire.
Two at the Top includes twelve fun and inventive double bass duets which are played entirely in harmonics. Ideal as a simple and unthreatening introduction to harmonic playing, they feature a limited number of notes, rhythms and articulations in low thumb position and also at the end of the fingerboard.
The duets are accessible, short and succinct, and each can be repeated with the bassists changing parts, with the addition of dynamics and articulations at the players’ discretion. The final duet, the longest of the twelve, is a little more technically challenging, but still only uses seven notes on the G and D strings.
Playable by a teacher and student, two students or friends, the aim is to enjoy playing harmonics and just to have fun.
The edition includes a score and parts, alongside a chart detailing the harmonics used in the duets.
A few things to remember when playing harmonics:
the bow should be played towards the bridge
lighten the bow pressure and the bow has to keep moving for the harmonic to sound touch the harmonic lightly with your finger
only place one finger on the string at any time
enjoy the music and aim for a clear and ringing tone
Recital Music also has two more digital publications featuring harmonics:
David Heyes – Harmonious Harmonics: Trios & Quartets David Heyes – A Place in New England for 6 double basses
David Heyes – BASS – the Final Frontier: 24 Pieces in Harmonics for Double Bass
