How to Hold a Violin Bow
Holding a bow properly affects the way that you play. The bow is the part of playing the creates the sound. Holding a bow correctly will help with control and the amount of sound that you produce. Only practice will give you the knowledge of how to hold the bow and the ability to control it.
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Instructions
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1
Know the parts of the bow. The bow is made up of the wooden curve, the hairs that you use to play, the grip is wrapped around the base of the bow, the frog is the section that hold the hair of the bow and bow itself together, and the screw is what tightens the bow. The bow refers to the whole thing, or more specifically the wooden part of the bow--the part that actually bows.
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2
Tighten the bow. You will want the bow tight enough to have tension in the hair but not where the bow is strained. Find the narrowest part of the bow. The section between the bow and hair at this point should be no wider than your finger when correctly tightened.
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3
Hold the bow in your right hand. Place the tip of your thumb in the "U" created by the frog. Bend your thumb to wrap your other fingers around the bow. Your thumb should always remain bent while holding the bow.
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4
Place your index finger over the bow. The first joint of your finger should rest on the back of the bow.
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5
Naturally curve your middle and ring finger over the bow. Don't grip the bow, your hand should curve over it gently.
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6
Place the tip of your pinkie on the bow. Your pinkie should be bent curving to touch the bow.
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7
Now that you have all your fingers in place, lift and lower the bow. You should feel the weight of the bow in your index finger, thumb and pinkie finger. These are the main fingers that will help you control the bow. By applying pressure to the bow with your index finger you will create a louder sound. By lifting the bow slightly with your pinkie finger, you will make a quieter sound.
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Practice holding the bow and playing. Remember your pinkie and thumb should always be bent while holding the bow.
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Tips & Warnings
Your fingers should be separated when holding the bow, but how much separation between them depends on your hand. The hold you have on the bow should be firm but comfortable. Your hand cramping could mean that your fingers are too far apart on the bow or you're holding it too tightly.
