How to Use a Violin Bow

The French bow affords agility and the accurate rendering of fast passages.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Tighten the bow hair so there is a 3/4-inch space between the hair and the bow at the closest point.

2. Place your right thumb on the inside part of the bow where the frog creeps forward and back.

3. Lay your three middle fingers on the outside of the bow. Place your pinkie on top, near the adjustment screw.

4. Rest the side of your index finger (just above its second joint) on top of the bow stick.

5. Place the frog end of the bow hair on top of the "G" string halfway between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge.

6. Allow your hand to fall naturally from your arm at the point of your wrist.

7. Apply a slight bit of pressure on the bow and draw a straight line while vibrating the string. Stop near the bow tip. This is a "down bow."

8. Reverse the direction and travel on the string from the tip to the frog. This is an "up bow."

9. Move the bow at a medium-slow and regular speed.

10. Focus on producing a steady and pleasant-sounding tone.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the bow hair at the same point on the string as you move it across the string.
• Avoid drawing a curved arc when pushing or pulling the bow over the strings.
• Loosen the horse hair of the violin bow at the frog after every playing session. An adjustment of this tightening device is an unnecessary expense at the repair shop.

on 2/14/2006 Try to avoid touching the horse hair on the bow. The oils in your skin will make it difficult to rub the rosin on your bow.

on 11/22/2005 1. Put your middle finger over the U-shaped part of the frog, touching the metal part.
2. Put your ring finger next to it. Or, more commonly, put it over the dot or the design on the frog.
3. Put your pinky next to the ring finger.