How to Hold a Violin Bow
When playing the violin, it’s really important to hold the bow correctly. A correct bow hold can help your playing technique and overall playing experience.
It will also help you hold the bow comfortably for longer periods of time without fatigue.
We’ve created this guide to help you discover how to hold the violin bow step-by-step.
We will discuss the right way of holding a violin bow, why we hold it that way, and common mistakes beginner violinists make with their bow hold.
But before getting into that, let’s start with the basics of how to hold a violin bow.
You can make it as complicated or as simple as you want. But really, it’s just six steps:
STEP ONE: THE BUNNY
Start by making a bunny with your right hand. The bunny is created by curving your index finger and pinky finger into the ears of the bunnies and then raising them slightly to form the eyes. It’ll feel odd at first, so like anything in life, practice! Form this hand shape until it becomes second nature…
STEP TWO: THUMB PLACEMENT
Start by making a bunny with your right hand. The bunny is created by curving your index finger and pinky finger into the ears of the bunnies and then raising them slightly to form the eyes. It’ll feel odd at first, so like anything in life, practice! Form this hand shape until it becomes second nature…
STEP THREE: YOUR INDEX FINGER
Place your index finger on top of the leather portion of the violin bow, which will act as a guide for the bow and a fulcrum with your thumb and pinky. Your index finger should be placed on its side when it is on the violin bow.
STEP FOUR: YOUR MIDDLE FINGER
Our middle finger will also sit on top of the leather pad of your violin bow in a slightly curved position. The end of the middle finger should be close to the U-shaped notch of the bow’s frog. The middle finger should be placed on its side when it is on the violin bow.
STEP FIVE: YOUR RING FINGER
Place your ring finger above your middle finger on the bow’s shaft. The ring finger should not have much pressure on the bow, as this can cause premature wear and tear on the playing surface of the bow stick. Instead, it should remain relaxed but firm enough to maintain control of the violin bow. The middle and ring finger should also be comfortable and able to hold the violin bow for long periods without becoming fatigued or sore.
STEP SIX: YOUR PINKY FINGER
Our middle finger will also sit on top of the leather pad of your violin bow in a slightly curved position. The end of the middle finger should be close to the U-shaped notch of the bow’s frog. The middle finger should be placed on its side when it is on the violin bow.
A proper and natural bow hold is essential to producing a good sound. A correct bow hold is key to optimizing the bow’s vibrations and producing the best sound possible.
Plus, it’ll stop your arm and hand from aching when you play for a few hours a day!
Read the full article here.
