Standing at 6 feet tall, it is the largest bowed stringed instrument in the modern orchestra and is also used frequently in jazz ensembles, especially played pizzicato.

Usually considered the lowest-pitched member of the violin family, it has 4 strings tuned 4 notes apart and the sloping shoulders and flat back characteristic of the viols. It has a deep range beginning about three octaves below middle C.

Often the double bass plays the same music as the cello, but an octave lower.