3 Jazz Violin Bowing Technique Fixes for Better Improv & Rhythm

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Didn't you know I'm left handed? JK- the video is backwards because I reposted this from a FB Live. If you haven't yet, join the FREE FB Community of "Creative String Players" here: facebook.com/groups/creativestringsacademy/ You've still got time to reserve your spot at one of the upcoming workshops in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia here: christianhowes.com/creative-strings-shop/creative-strings-workshop/csw-registration/

[@michaelharris9615]

I think you could do a whole lesson on Ab Maj7 sharp11. Signed, a beginner.

[@GwladYrHaf]

I’m only a few weeks into violin, but I have a few decades of classical and flamenco guitar behind me, so it’s interesting hearing about presumptions based on a particular instrument that I have never held. It seems obvious that the presumptions of each instrument is inherited from the traditional scenarios of the performers. Violin, concert hall. Classical guitar, intimate parlour. Flamenco, the domiciles and enthusiastic hostelries of Andalusia. It’s good to question the presumed dynamic limitations of each instrument that are bequeathed by the endless repetitions of the unquestioned practice methods. To me, all the variations of possible physics must be factored into the meditation of practice. Only then do we find ourselves in a place where the instrument itself becomes the teacher.

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Agreed! I like how you phrased that!

[@makhosinimeshackmnguni1218]

This is wonderful Chris. Stay blessed for what you're doing. I'm learning a lot. Thank you sir.

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

You are very welcome! You can find more bowing videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6By1KZHRO2LY-nD1hPRp8Y3CdURMVOYz If you're interested in learning more, join our Creative Strings Academy (free trial) to access all my premium courses and multimedia learning resources: bit.ly/CreativeStringsAcademy_free_trial Happy practicing 🙂

[@gregsanford3848]

Enjoy so much ,from Australia

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Thanks Greg!

[@Markonde285]

Thanks 🙏

[@ElderedAmbrose]

Amazing. Andy Stein showed us basically the same thing at the Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp, 2005. He called it "sticky" bowing.

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Cool! I taught at that camp a few times as well. Great hang

[@MusicKit]

Hey, Chris! A very cool vid! I’ve been touring of late with guitar great Howard Alden and doing A LOT of Monk tines - my main man. And rhythm is absolutely critical with his material. This has helped me reconceptualize my approach to his tunes. e.g. Learning Tinkle-Trinkle right now, and despite the crazy fast notes, learning with your separate bow for each note and then loosing up with more notes per bow but feeling the rhythm and weight is a revelation. Thanks, man!

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Awesome!! Thank you Kit. So glad it helped!!

[@fiddlinfinance]

This has been difficult for me because I have always been about tone. But I am trying to get better at rythm and being comfortable with off tones.

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

I understand!:)

[@gregsanford3848]

Have old injury from working on the farm to my left hand,also had my whole tougne and voice box removed, cancer my shoulders major nerve damage, but I'm learning my violin 5 months now

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Good for you Greg forpersevering

[@eViolinity]

Great!! The examples proof the concept! Cu soon in Lausanne!

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

eViolinity thank you! Looking forward to the workshop this week in Lausanne!!

[@karenlee29]

THANK YOU from another Lefty! :-)

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Thanks Karen- sorry to disappoint, but the video was flipped from FB to make me Appear lefthanded:) Here is a free gift - a directory of backing tracks and play alongs: bit.ly/Playlist_Directory Let me know how I can support you! Chris

[@tomokoomuravideos]

Great demonstration!! Thank you for sharing this, Chris!

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

thanks Tomoko!

[@janeheald1625]

This was a great video, very helpful for the classical player!!!!! Any suggestions for Cello??. Still trying to find best bowing for Freedom Jazz Dance. A super challenge because of the string crossings. Thanks, Chris.

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Thanks Jane- Most of all my suggestions for violin bowing apply equally to cello. Most of it is in this video!

[@gregsanford3848]

Chris I also use my right hand for fingerings, is your pegs converted??

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

The video is backwards:(

[@davidmarks509]

Feathery would suit me I need to reduce the sound level so I can keep playing fiddle. the issue with mutes seem to be they will reduce the sound of the fiddle but in doing so remove all the base sounds, which doesn't sound so good. Ahhh I thought you where left handed. I enjoy the play alongs.

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Thanks David! Want an invite to join my weekly live(zoom) guided practice sessions? If so drop your email and I’ll send it.

[@yipsiuhay]

Hi Christian, do you think it's alright for the stick to touch the hair? Not sure if my bow is too tight or not.

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Generally no but a little bit on occasion is ok

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

String player interested in improving Rhythm with the Bow? See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6fEfGqJnceWnpY

[@heidi.m.mantere]

Hi Chris, remember this www.heidi.fi/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ontmetropolia09.pdf for ex page 11 Still working on this with some students and try to find the rhythm "inside" your body, inner hear and bow - an yes, more bow on the string with left hand articulation, what do you think? Greetings from Helsinki, Finland.

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

Awesome!!

[@cellogirl11rw55]

Hi there! I totally agree with you that bow weight and placement is far more important than speed/movement in making a big sound. I don't get why young students are taught to use their whole bow because many aren't even capable of doing so, and, at least on the cello, that yields one big, muddy mess if you use a lot of weight. Thankfully, my private teacher taught me better. Whenever I want a REALLY big sound, I place my bow on the string near the bridge, close my eyes, take a deep breath, and allow the full weight of my arm to sink my bow into the string through my index finger. I know I've set my bow correctly when I can move the string around with the bow. Then, I start to pull my bow to the right until I meet resistance from the string and release just enough weight to let my bow start to move. Then, I keep it moving at that speed, feeling the resistance of the string, but not fighting it. Now THAT is a big sound! By the way, I attended your string workshop at Central Washington University in 2012 (?), and I still refer back to the exercises you handed out whenever I get stuck on something in my practice sessions. Thank you so much for all your help.😇

[@ChristianHowesViolin]

thank you!!! Great to reconnect. Hope you are doing well!