Here's an introduction to the double bass:
As well as being an important part of the orchestra, the double bass is the only member of the string bass that has a regular place in the band, and in jazz. Students learn both the bowed ('arco') and plucked ('pizzicato') techniques. Although it's a large instrument, it isn't all that heavy - but it can be awkward to handle. So we allow each bass student two instruments, one to keep at home to practise and the other to play at school.
Students who have learned double bass find it easy to adapt their skills to electric bass later on.
And here's what it sounds like:
Rock-style slap bass:
...and jazz style plucked (pizzicato) bass!
Incorporating a lot of these techniques (and a cute dog!):