Flat Bass

FLAT  BASS

‘Scordatura’ is the term used to describe an abnormal tuning of an instrument for a special purpose—usually to increase the range.  In this case, as the title implies, the fourth string is tuned down two semitones to B flat, and therefore all the usual notes are two frets above their normal place.  Once the notation reader has become used to it, this piece is as good as any of Morley’s ‘moderate’ solos, such as ‘Monkitrix’, ‘Pussyfoot Parade’ or ‘Mister Punch’ but, because of the low bass, it has an attractive sound of its own.  The tablature reader has no problem of course, if the fourth string has been tuned to an octave below the note on the third string at the third fret.

The key is mainly B flat, as you might expect, with a fine melody in the third movement—set in E flat—where the only problem could be a sequence of four chords of four notes, played with the thumb and three fingers.  As far as the left hand is concerned, players with short fingers may have to take these chords slowly at first, until they are familiar with the shapes.

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