How to Hold a Viola Bow

Producing a good tone on a viola has a great deal to do with how you hold the bow. The bow hold needs to be relaxed, but tight enough to have control of the bow, whether playing fast, slow, loud or soft. The bow hold follows the natural curves of the hand and fingers. Bow control starts with the grip you have on the instrument, so starting with proper habits helps you master this important component of playing the viola.

Instructions

1. Bend your elbow and hold your right hand in front of you, with the palm facing the floor. Relax the hand and let your wrist drop. Note how your fingers curve and your thumb is straight. This position is similar to how you hold the bow.

2. Pick up the bow with your right hand and curve your wrist slightly to the left. Place your thumb slightly inside the bow just past the frog, the area of the bow that joins the hair to the bow. Place your middle finger so that it is opposite your thumb.

3. Balance your bow by putting your little finger on the top of the bow, letting it curve naturally. Your index finger and ring finger need to rest comfortably on the stick of the bow, extending slightly over the top to give you a good grip. Until you establish the habit of holding your bow, pay attention to how your hand feels so that it always feels relaxed and not tense. Bows weigh just a few ounces, so it does not take a lot of muscle strength to hold the bow.

References

• Viola Online: Bow Hold