The basic foundation of any tamburitza group, giving the full rich tones needed for depth and strength, and controlling, along with the bugarija, the necessary rhythm and tempo. Usually plays "on the beat" in the rhythm structure. The double bass is its counterpart in the symphony. However, there are three major differences between the tamburitza bass and the double bass. The former has four steel strings rather than gut strings, its neck is fretted and it is played with a pick rather than the fingers or a bow.