How to Use a Bow for the Upright Bass Guitar

The upright stringed bass guitar responds to bowing with a deep and soulful resonance. Bassists with little bowing experience can take to the bass with natural ease since the strings are easily driven. There are just a few principles to become familiar with bowing the bass in order to start playing and adding the beautiful dimension of the bass guitar to your musical style.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Hold the bow properly. The rectangular end of the bow's bottom is the frog. The top of the bow is called the point. Hold the bow in the right hand. Bend your thumb and slide it between the bow's hair and the stick, just above the little groove near the frog. Place the curved index finger over the stick across the black grip. Wrap your two center fingers part way around the frog. Place the pinkie at the bottom of the bow.
2. Apply rosin to the hair of the bow just before playing to get a good grip on the strings.
3. Relax your arm. Let it hang down so the bow will be at the bridge of the bass guitar. You're going to be real gentle when you place the bow on the strings. Press just a bit more if the tone sounds airy. Draw the bow straight down onto the instrument, without any tilt to the bow.
4. Use long, even strokes to play what is called the "Legato" bow stroke. Staccato strokes are quick and short with little pauses between. Another style is the "Spiccato" where the bow leaves the strings in a bouncing type of movement.