How to HOLD a CELLO BOW PROPERLY - a beginner cello Lesson | Basics of Cello

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[@berniberni121]

im not the begginer, im playing 7 years and i played elgar concerto 2nd movement, but im still learning how to hold bow properly

[@CelloCoach]

What's the struggle?

[@berniberni121]

my fingers are straight, they are not lying on the bow, so i have very big problem with fast strings crossing:/ before i start playing im holding bow properly, but during game my fingers are straight again. because of this im „playing by wrist”, and my right shoulder is very tense.

[@bruh_idk3348]

I just got mine today!! I’m in 5th grade :/

[@vampanthem7380]

ahh same I'm just having some insecurities that i'm doing everything wrong and that I've gotten used to the wrong thing

[@mhp8734]

Blasian _Rämen omg sammmeee ...

[@call1588]

I am 50 yrs old and beginning to learn how to play a cello. Thank you much for this video.

[@panizsalemi7114]

Great, thanks 🤍

[@CelloCoach]

My pleasure

[@meowchan6537]

The dead fingers parts are the cutest!

[@fly3513]

Excellent video❤ and I laugh every time on the part that you shoot your hand😂

[@Pupsyrino]

Thank You! This really helped me a lot with my bow hold and made me understand better!

[@CelloCoach]

Glad it helped!

[@nicolevelasquez345]

I’ve played the cello for 6 years now and I just realized I’ve been holding it wrong 😭😭 thank you so much for this video it really helped a lot!!

[@davidhurtado2725]

I don't think there's such a thing as holding it wrong

[@Bobert_the_1st]

I’ve been playing for years, yet I’m still learning how to hold a bow, but thank you because now I can hold it

[@maiafraissinet9761]

Thank you so much for this video! I've completely forgot how to hold my bow properly over the quarantine and this is so simple.

[@CelloCoach]

glad to help you

[@ВалерияВалерьевна-о7п]

Kill the right hand! What a wonderful idea!) I held the bow like this for the first time and you know, it's great!!!Thank you!))

[@CelloCoach]

Yes, that is André Navarra ;-)

[@topkoality21]

wow thank you so so much for putting this video up! I was holding my bow very wrong!!! This way is soooooo much easier!!

[@CelloCoach]

You're so welcome!

[@BurningtunaDC]

I love your suggestion of the dead hand but on the next day rigor mortis set in. Any suggestions? Thanks for shooting and sharing! Happy new year!!

[@Viictoriica]

OMG, you my hero!

[@CelloCoach]

yay

[@bronh3519]

If there was a child friendly video to use at school, that would be great :D (e.g. no mention of guns)

[@nature2964]

Great lesson 💚

[@tia283]

I literally and physically cannot hold a bow this way because of a wrist injury/surgery I had several years ago. My cello teacher taught me how to hold it under-handed like a bass player does and that works great for me.

[@CelloCoach]

fantastic - remember that we are all anatomically unique

[@trentbish2474]

I have been playing for a year now but everyone is annoyed because I hold my bow wrong so this really helped me

[@pwningnewbs]

This method works

[@CelloCoach]

glad it helped

[@LynsayRyanMusic]

thanks for this!!

[@morganpatterson848]

I don’t get how I’m supposed to relax my hand, I have a small hand and my pinky and thumb are still so close together that everything else feels cramped when I put them where they’re supposed to go

[@rominn2184]

Please help me. I'm a violist trying my hand at cello. I had a cello lesson today and was told by my instructor (another violist who plays cello) that my right wrist is arched too high and that when he looks at me head on, he does not see a straight line formed by the forearm and hand. The problem is, of course, the bow needs to be angled towards the player but it looks like I am about to maybe do col legno when I try and straighten my wrist. I know it's muscle memory that just needs to set in and adjust but I was wondering if there any tips for speeding along the process.

[@wombawareness]

Yes I'm in the same position! I'd be really interested in any tips you come across, I'm trying to teach myself at the moment and don't want to learn any poor habits - bow hold seems like the biggest thing to re-learn!

[@justcallmee9795]

Suggestions: how can i detach my ring and middle finger?

[@CelloCoach]

Hm, enlighten me?

[@justcallmee9795]

@@CelloCoach when I do trills with my middle finger pressed down and I have to make a whole step higher like trilling on a c natural to a d the ring finger c sharp stays on sometimes with the middle finger, how can I lift the ring finger to avoid playing c sharp (for an example).

[@doomxsday]

I thought we weren’t supposed to touch the bow hair?

[@emiller0315]

The pinkie is locked in this example - it should be loose and curved

[@CelloCoach]

Depends on your anatomy. The little finger is not locked

[@TopGunMan]

But why. The pinky clearly, on its own, needs to hold the entire weight of the rest of the bow. Why is the pinky better flat against the bow than curved with just the tip touching?

[@gracelynquaye]

When I play a piece my whole hand hurts so bad.

[@clanlascaritas2420]

Teacher if you see this I see the video

[@haruu5489]

I'm sad that I have to watch this because my section needs help...

[@CelloCoach]

Being a section leader takes patience and persistence. Good luck!

[@strumf666]

So this is how a beginner should hold the bow and later you should hold it like in your other video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/onfdqaF3q5yYgqc

[@CelloCoach]

Follow this one. I need to delete that one

[@michaelboyd8770]

Just starting at age 81. Something that I wanted to do about age 9. I live alone so the noise will be my own sounds.

[@CelloCoach]

thanks for subscribing!

[@cananpriebe]

this video helped so much! I've been playing for around a year now but never got my bow hold quite right and started feeling pain in my thumb. After 2 minutes into the video its gone.

[@caralinecollett5068]

really the bow weight should be held just by the thumb and the little finger? I can barely hold it like that. should I practice just holding it between those two and develop strength?

[@CelloCoach]

use the string also to help balance your bow in place, and always have your index "hooked" so to control the trajectory

[@huitang2602]

Nice video! I watched several times and tried to find the best position of my thumb. Before I was using the side of the thumb(close to the nail), after watch the video I knew it’s pad of the finger. I tried this position it’s more comfortable but when I play, my thumb will move forward and touch my middle finger😢

[@CelloCoach]

thats ok if it touches a little bit, not too much

[@bluesky3122]

So hard! I am a beginner and this seems impossible. But I won't give up! Thanks so much for da video!

[@claykennedy4836]

Just got my cello today! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and passion for the instrument and the art. I watched a lot of your videos awaiting the arrival of my cello and was able to play a c scale already. So excited about this journey.

[@cheesynatostar4784]

I can grab the bow, but when I play fast things my thumb slips down and I eventually miss the bow, tips please

[@CelloCoach]

Try placing a grip like surgical tubing or a pencil pas at the end of the talon (requires you to remove the talon)

[@utbronell]

It would have been good to have the camera behind you or above so we don't have to try to work it out in mirror reverse but good information.

[@CelloCoach]

good point

[@EVERYTYME]

These are completely new muscles to me lol

[@BrittanyMarie27]

Nope. Still can't do it. I'm terrible. Is it supposed to hurt? Haha

[@CelloCoach]

There is a time of adjustment yes

[@Windlaceandhiding]

No wonder I have so much pain in my pinkie! I was taught wrong

[@CelloCoach]

hope it helped

[@typokween7980]

But i still dont get how to hold it with just my right hand without tension cuz its kinda heavy for me.....?

[@siam-7320]

Hi ! 👋 I just wonder... Why my little finger doesn't want to get stuck on the bow and stays right in the air while playing? It is very frustrating😭 PS: I trained while watching this video and now my hand hurts😆

[@sneakysxn7052]

Oh wow! I cant wait to try this out, my teacher told me to put my finger on that nook of the frog and it hurt so much to play that when I did, my notes come out airy. Thxs so much

[@CelloCoach]

Anytime, Cindy!

[@Rardsley]

Best video I have seen on this subject. Appreciate the level of detail (and humour!). Holding the bow correctly makes a huge difference to the sound I'm making! Thanks so much. 😁

[@atticustay1]

My thumb sometimes slowly slips forward. What can I do to prevent this?

[@ambientpasta9082]

I have been dealing with the same thumb issue for months now. And I think I found the solution. This was the process for me: My thumb would slip forward into the bow and get between the hair and the stick. And I thought to myself that since it was between the frog and the leather right where it was supposed to there must be something else wrong. At first I thougth that maybe I was not bending the thumb correctly. The only solution I came up with then was to misplace the thumb to another side of the stick and it stopped slipping, but then it was not bent at all. For the last month or so I have noticed myself starting out with the thumb in the right position only to end up misplaced and straight or slipping in between hair and stick. Then today I had the genius idea of "hey, let's put another part of the thumb against the bow!" From the beginning I had always put the center of my thumbs tip against the bow, and that, I believe, is what caused the slipping. Jonathan actually points out his placement of the thumb and how it sits on "its right side" It is also visible that his thumbnail points to the leather in an almost 90 degree angle away from the bow. Changing my thumb from the center of its tip to the right side of the tip is what made my thumb stop slipping forward. Funny enough I had already seen this video several times months ago and still I did not pick up this detail that he showed with the thumb on its right side. I figured it out today while practicing and then came to this video to compare my new found bow hold with that of Jonathan's to discover that they matched. TL:DR: Make point of contact between thumb and bow the right side of your thumbs tip as showed by Jonathan.

[@kittyplays2324]

That metal thing on the stick isn't metal, it's wire

[@CelloCoach]

wire made of silver , which is a metal ore

[@quintonbekeur2965]

I still can't figure it out. If my thumb isn't tense the tip of the bow just drops down. Does the index finger help carry the weight?

[@CelloCoach]

The thumb hold the bow with the side of its tip, like a hook. This this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGHTdKJ_jLx5i6s

[@Gregorius24]

"Naturally 'lay' them." ;-)

[@CelloCoach]

yes

[@shrilekhasawant2579]

Thanks, that was so helpful.

[@CelloCoach]

Happy you learned something

[@johannsebastianbach2519]

Thank you so much. Now I know how to hold my bow with the right way and that way won't make my hand hurt anymore:)

[@CelloCoach]

Happy to help you, Iris!

[@annabarham155]

I’ve just watched this video and I was taught bow hold with the thumb on the metal part where the hair is attached to the bow, but I was also told that it’s the wrong way to do it by another student who is a string player herself. Whenever we tried to hold the bow with the thumb in the nook part, she would stop us and make us hold our thumb on the metal part. I like the way you explain things in your videos because you make it easy to understand.

[@CelloCoach]

This is the correct way, Anna.

[@STAR_CHAMPION]

Pretty nice video :) I have been playing cello for 5 years and I’ve had a lot of experience. This video is great for beginners and the exercise is a great warm up

[@CelloCoach]

good to hear

[@monsiuersmartypants3391]

i have a codabow an the distance between the pearl and grip is significantly shorter on a codabow than the bow you are using.

[@CelloCoach]

The pearl is a reference point, so you will have to adapt your position to your own anatomy.

[@H-DA]

I just don't get it. 😒 I can hold a violin bow without problems but the cello bow is heavier and always falls apart or I have to grip with lots of tension.

[@CelloCoach]

use the string and rosin on the bow as another "finger"

[@eleanor_nolan_mills]

Thank you so much for such a detailed video! I think it's the best one out there on the subject

[@CelloCoach]

Thank you so much Sarah

[@Bassist10288]

Just got a cello, a book and I’ve been stressing to hold the bow until I saw this! Thank you!

[@CelloCoach]

Glad to be of service, Brian!

[@rsorin]

I've noticed that in other videos you actually show a different positioning, where the ring finger goes on the eye, and the small finger goes back on the rings of the bow. I did get used to that one (thanks for teaching that btw), but I saw that everyone else teaches this one here from this video. So which one is better?

[@CelloCoach]

This video is the one with the better teaching. I am going to strike that other one from the channel.

[@rsorin]

@@CelloCoach I've gotten quite comfortable with the holding mentioned in your other videos. Is there actually something wrong about that? I'm not asking for better teaching but for better choice.

[@CelloCoach]

Actually, nothing wrong at all. Just for me, as a teacher, I need to "follow the leaders" of pedagogy. Individually, we can make anything work as long as the bow is comfortably held.

[@moonamigi]

I have a weak pinky it always slips

[@withjoae]

Hello, I have been playing the cello for 5 1/2 years but my parents keep complaining about my bow hold. It is very different to how other cellists hold it, because I slot my fourth finger in the gap of the frog, and my first finger is further up, but I find it very comfortable, and my teacher has never complained about it or said anything about the sound. Is it worth changing? (I am on about diploma level, having just gotten distinction for Grade 8) My parents aren't musicians, but they seem quite adamant. Any suggestions? :)

[@renfiddler]

Alessandra, it is surprising that your teacher has not corrected your bow hold. There are definitely good reasons for holding the bow correctly - more advanced bow techniques are impossible or extremely difficult if you do not have a relaxed bow hold with finger & thumb placement in approximately the correct place on the bow stick and frog. Some examples are spiccato, ricochet, sautillé, advanced string crossings, changing quickly from pizzicato to arco and back... It is DEFINITELY worth taking the time to change your bow hold if you want to extend your musical skills and abilities and avoid long-term injuries.

[@paisley4167]

Thank you so much! I was having a lot of trouble getting my bow to stay in my hand and not fall, but this tutorial really helped me! Many thanks!

[@joydenson]

ThanksJonathan had one week break from Cello (beginner). And ‘lost’ bow hold. This explanation helped restore

[@CelloCoach]

Glad it helped!

[@sebastiengiacomi5826]

N’importe quoi !!!!

[@lakesidehomesteadwithdavea5757]

This had been my biggest challenge...I start out pretty good...but then find I have the bow in a death grip...I'm a very very beginner....but holy smokes this part has been the most difficult!!

[@CelloCoach]

Glad to help!

[@greekchicgreek]

I am a beginner.

[@sunshine_1111x]

Thank you very much for this tutorial! I love the little bit of humor that you added 😂😊❤

[@davidmurphy9377]

This is a bit different from your "invisible cello" video (leather, metal, circle, tip). Does the hold change? Thanks

[@diorhcp]

Thank you!!

[@frankboehm5607]

Wonderful video / breaks it down very nicely would like to point out that the singular of "phalanges" is "Phalanx," not phalange

[@johntoth1224]

this video was very helpful to me as an artist to learn how to draw a cello player.

[@CelloCoach]

happy to help you

[@robyn8842]

I love the black and white French teacher! Très créatif :p

[@CelloCoach]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9_Navarra

[@LynsayRyanMusic]

thanks for this!!

[@LynsayRyanMusic]

thanks for this!!

[@LynsayRyanMusic]

thanks for this!!

[@henrysolomon2326]

Jonathan thanks so much. I appreciate your clear way of explaining. I am an absolute beginner.

[@YngveSkarphedinssoon]

The great French Cellist Andre Navarra shows his technique, each art has their own unique hold like a finger print. Brave on your channel us Cellists really love your work plus the time and effort and time it takes away from your normal life.

[@rosaliekoch4311]

I can't imagine ever getting this right, the bow feels way too heavy to be able to keep a relaxed position in my hand, but I'll try lol, thanks for the clear explanation :)

[@Stanbeomgyu]

I agree

[@renfiddler]

The strings of the cello will help support most of the weight of the bow. (Speaking as an Orchestra teacher for 20+ years)

[@LynsayRyanMusic]

thanks for this!!

[@dillywilly1501]

do you have tips on how to go from bowing to plucking quickly?

[@CelloCoach]

You, and I have a video on that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5SkeqidpqeojNE

[@jonathandraper7065]

I prefer a “coat hanger” thumb, with the first joint pointing to the floor. If I pronate my wrist for this thumb alignment then I can get more power when I need it.

[@CelloCoach]

And this is why we all are anatomically different: what works for you may not work for others, though in sharing people can find a different approach. Thanks for the comment, Jonathan ;-)

[@svt9924]

ive been playing for 5 years and i just now forgot how to hold the bow ☠️

[@bpdarragh]

Fantastic, after having started again after many years, just what I needed.

[@CelloCoach]

Glad it helped!

[@butterflysquaregarden]

Wooo thanks! Makes a huge difference!

[@pokekid3334]

Absolutely understanded it immediately

[@heathershaw1629]

I really like this video, but I can't use it with my high school students because of the shooting. The word "dead" is fine, as in zombie, but the shooting part is not OK for classroom use. Just wanted to let you know.

[@CelloCoach]

Right, Heather, sorry about that. It show the sad state of public education in USA when a teacher cannot show a music education video with a joke using a miniature, toy flintlock.

[@user-oc7ph2qs2e]

Thank you💝 Very helpful

[@LynsayRyanMusic]

thanks for this!!

[@CelloCoach]

You're welcome!

[@86Wiss]

thank you so much for your video !

[@juliocardenas4485]

You rock !

[@CelloCoach]

thank you

[@pokekid3334]

bravo! hit the jackpot

[@nitsua803]

Great review. Thank you!

[@gabriellem.5519]

Awesome! solved my issues...

[@tammypark180]

Thank you this was so helpful!

[@nadyamorgunov7350]

This really helped..im a beginner cellist but played the violin for 7 years..so it was a difficult switch for the bow hold for some reason. Thank you for really going into close deats

[@CelloCoach]

You are welcome, nadya

[@alexsong4375]

This is really helpful!!

[@CelloCoach]

Glad you help you!

[@jaeden3530]

ty

[@CelloCoach]

anytime

[@benport466]

I've played the cello for over a decade and I still don't know how to hold my bow properly so thank you for making this

[@CelloCoach]

My pleasure, Ben

[@jinseo1948]

정말정말 감사합니다♡♡

[@ditto303]

La main morte 😂😂😂

[@raisemc332]

Thank you so much! I started in 4th grade and I'm in 8th right now, but I want to "recalibate" my bowhold, which is currently so tense. This video was really helpful!

[@CelloCoach]

glad to help to you

[@raisemc332]

@@CelloCoach Thank you, and now I sound so much better than before :)

[@martynakowalska6955]

[@CelloCoach]

:-)