Fiddleheads.ca Technique Advice and FAQs

You may also find Rhiannon's FAQ for solutions for a Stiff Bow Shoulder or Which Bow to Buy for a Player who Presses Hard very helpful

Upper Bow Arm Moving

Q: Are you supposed to hold your upper bow arm/shoulder absolutely still, or just move it a little? Mine moves a little, and I'm wondering if that is proper.

Answer from Rhiannon

My upper bow arm does move when I play, but only slightly. It's just because it is tied in to the lower arm which is moving, so the movements are very small and subtle.

But not at all a swaying from the shoulder, which many players do in attempts to make their tone smooth or to reach the tip of the bow. The shoulder is really just the crane that lifts the bow onto the correct string; the upper arm raises and the shoulder supports it (not tensing up).

You wouldn't want to tense up to make it still as that would make your shoulder stiff again. I recommend you try practicing with your upper arm (bow arm) against a wall. This will keep your elbow form swaying back and you will isolate the elbow and wrist to do their work.

Start out with short notes on one open string until you can feel them moving freely and your elbow is not knocking back against the wall.

Straight Angle

A quick note: Make sure your bow is perpendicular to the strings (parallel to the bridge) when you do this otherwise you are practicing at the wrong angle.

Warped Bow

Another thing to be aware of is that a warped or poorly cambered (curved) bow can cause problems with bowing properly. It's like driving a car with poorly aligned wheels; it will swerve to one side or the other and the driver has to put extra effort into steering to remain on the road!

Check the camber of your bow by tightening it to playing tension and hold it up and look down the shaft from frog to tip. It will curve from top to bottom, but should not curve out to the side (unless it was purposely constructed that way as some high end bows do).

All the best for your music and please let us know if our advice made a difference for you. I also hope my shop will earn your business.

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