20240720 tone exploration 8 changing bows around the string

Tone Explorations Exercise 8 - Changing Bows Around the String
Welcome back to our ongoing series on tone explorations. Building on last week's discoveries, today we focus on integrating bow changes with our technique of playing around the string.
Recap and New Focus: Last week, we achieved a full and resonant sound by pulling the bow on the bass side of the string during down bows and pushing it on the treble side during up bows. As we transition between bows, it's crucial to also shift smoothly from one side of the string to the other.
Technique at the Tip:
- At the tip, changing bows involves a subtle drop of the hand from the wrist. This motion naturally transitions the bow from the bass to the treble side of the string, ensuring a seamless sound continuity.
- Practice this on open strings, starting with a down bow on the D to A strings, then transitioning to an up bow on the A to E strings. Focus on refining the wrist movement until the sound cleanly transitions through just the A string.
Technique at the Frog:
- Arriving at the frog, maintain a higher wrist and slightly elevated elbow to manage the bow's weight.
- For the down bow, lower the elbow to initiate the stroke from the upper arm, integrating the elbow's descent into the tail end of the up bow. Allow the hand to continue moving to balance the reduced horizontal arm motion.
- Practicing double stops can help internalize this technique: try combining the A and E strings on the up bow and the D and A strings on the down bow. Gradually minimize this movement until you are smoothly playing just on the correct sides of the A string.
Experimentation and Personalisation: I encourage you to experiment with these movements to discover the minimal necessary motion tailored to your physiology and the dynamics you wish to achieve. Every player’s approach may vary slightly, so find what best suits your body and instrument.
As always, I look forward to hearing about your experiences with this exercise. How much movement do you find necessary? Share your insights and join the conversation about how these subtle changes enhance your playing.