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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
05:43
Applying Incongruent Visual-Tactile Stimuli during Object Transfer with Vibro-Tactile Feedback
Published on: May 23, 2019
Visual and tactile information in double bass intonation control.
Guilherme Menezes Lage1, Fausto Borém, Maurílio Nunes Vieira
1FUMEC University, Brazil and FUNORTE, Brazil.
Motor Control
|June 19, 2007
Summary
This study shows that visual and tactile feedback significantly improve intonation accuracy on the double bass, challenging traditional teaching methods that rely solely on hearing and proprioception for string instrument performance.
Area of Science:
- Music Performance Science
- Motor Control
- Acoustic Instrument Pedagogy
Background:
- Traditional orchestral string intonation teaching emphasizes auditory and proprioceptive feedback.
- The role of visual and tactile senses in non-tempered intonation control remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of visual and tactile sensory information on the intonation accuracy of acoustic double bass playing.
- To challenge the established pedagogical reliance on auditory and proprioceptive feedback alone.
Main Methods:
- Eight musicians performed an atonal musical sequence on two different-sized double basses.
- Sensorial constraints were manipulated across 11 trials per musician.
- Played note frequencies were measured and compared to target values for accuracy analysis.
Main Results:
- Performance integrating visual and tactile information demonstrated superior intonation accuracy compared to other sensory conditions.
- This finding contrasts with the traditional emphasis on auditory and proprioceptive feedback in string instrument performance.
Conclusions:
- Visual and tactile feedback play a crucial role in achieving accurate intonation on the double bass.
- Current pedagogical approaches for orchestral strings may benefit from incorporating visual and tactile training methods.
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