How to Stop Bow Skip on Violin | Bow Control Exercises for Smooth Change & Strong Sound
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 เม.ย. 2020
- For players of ANY background/level, break out of old patterns, attract new opportunities, and rediscover inspiration. swiy.co/Big_Christmas_Giveaway
Showing you how elite players stop bow skip and play with a Smooth Change & Strong Sound on violin or viola. Watch this video for more violin bow control tips: • Bow Hold Strength Exer...
Viewers and private online students requested a video re how to stop the violin bow from skipping or jumping on the string, how to play with smoother changes in the bow, especially near the frog when changing the bow from up to down.
The question of how to improve violin bow control is difficult to learn in part because bow control exercises (for smoother changes and bigger sound) require understanding how to hold the violin properly.
In turn, learning how to hold the violin while supporting with your left arm, rather than neck, requires learning the mechanics of fluid shifting on the violin... So you can see how this might lead you down a lot of rabbit holes. But trust me, it's worth it.
The goal of fluid and strong violin bow technique should be to learn to play with ease in your body, (shoulders and neck especially) while being able to create enough force with the bow pressing into the violin. This will help many players to play with more of a core in their sound, while preventing injury and pain. It's how the violin is played by many elite players, and it requires patience.
If you introduce these bow control exercises into your practice for even 5-10 minutes per day, you can really improve your violin playing over a few months.
For more on how to improve bow control on violin , how to bow smoothly on the violin like a professional, and other aspects of your violin playing, you can always connect with me for a private lesson here: christianhowes.com/csa/
Happy practicing!
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#ViolinBowControl #JumpingBow #BowingTechnique - เพลง
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I starting working on this yesterday. I'm friggin' amazed! After just a few minutes on day one, it changed my sound. Wow, how is that even possible? I'm now getting this little clunk sound when I change directions. I've heard this sound for years from some players and wondered how the heck they did it. And now I'm doing it. It's so cool, and easy. Thank you so much Christian!
So happy to hear it!
I’m self taught, 30 years playing and I’ve learned so much from you today. Thank you!
Awesome!!!!!!!! (Did you know you can get my free 60minute masterclass free here: christianhowes.com/education/
My senior year of highschool (2021) my teacher was teaching us something similar (The bowing wrist having that V and ^), afterwards I always knew my bowing was wrong and I was working on it towards the end of the school year. I didn’t own a violin and only recently got one, still knew my bowing was wrong, but this tutorial really explains it with the left hand and other things to keep in mind
OMG, holding violin by the chin and the shoulder is exactly what I've been taught and I've been holding the violin wrong for the longest time! No wonder my neck and shoulder hurts! This video and your lesson are so helpful Chris! Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful Tomo thanks!
Thank you Christian ; i trying to teach myself since Christmas 2022, its feb,2nd, 2023 now, thanks for the lesson it explains why im bow springing around and slide. from marti in fife uk.
Very helpful! No wonder I wasn't able to make strong tones, accent, tight neck. Thank you so much Chris for sharing your amazing knowledge and technique.
That was really helpful. I was a wispy player, afraid of tension. Now I feel I've connected, have the right to connect (!) properly with my instrument and with the sound
Awesome!
What a godsend! This is gold! What a great instructor! I wish there were more video lesson like this for the frustrated beginner to help them get started on the right path with the correct fundamentals & techniques.
Thanks for the clear direction and demonstration. Being fearless and patient with the crunching and not rushing that process has really helped me. Much appreciated!
Thank you so much for this! Really appreciate it 😊
Glad it was helpful for you. Thank you for the feedback
Thank you so much Chris! Still cant believe I was able to have that class with you. This really connected a lot of ideas together and answered a lot of my questions! Thank you again so much!!
My pleasure Jay! Glad it helped
Great technique lesson! Thank you, Chris!
My pleasure Darlene thank you!
I love the way you communicate and encourage the learners. Thanks for your time and advice
I appreciate that!
Thank you, I am a classical violinist and instinctively I do this technique when required.
It is always useful and joy watching your videos,im a violin beginner,and I always learn new techniques when I watch any of your videos.thanks a lot,and keep up the nice work👍👍👍
Incredibly helpful, thank you!
Glad it was helpful Amanda!
You can find more violin technique lessons in this playlist: th-cam.com/play/PL6By1KZHRO2L3qiJDGtpacH7j6hLl19Yx.html
For Transcriptions, Lessons & Proven Strategies to Grow Your Musicianship, subscribe to my free newsletter. It’s actionable and loved by 10,000 subscribers. swiy.co/ChristianHowesFreeNewsletter
Happy practicing 😊
Thanks Chris! I loved the lesson on bow weight and pushing with the pinkie on the down bow. Felt the benefit immediately. Bless you. 😀🎻🎸
Glad it helped Paul!
Thank you so much,
Excellent support demo. I’ll spread that word for sure!
Thanks ShelB!
Thank you! I’ll give this a go today!
You are welcome! thanks! you might find some of the downloads useful in my Christmas Giveaway: swiy.co/Secret_Giveaway
Thank you very much indeed for sharing your information with us, my dear friend.
Wish you best of luck and happiness.
Good luck...🥰✌
Yes! I can feel the difference from trying it out. Now I can practice it gradually to get the hang of it. Thank you very much Christian! Bow shifting has been a long term problem for me for a long time but I feel the change with this practice.
so glad to hear that Mike!!!! BTW- I’m giving away a trial private lesson to a handful of folks who want to get a feel for working with me.. If you’re interested in connecting 1-1 with me to get my personal support, take advantage of this promotion (offer good for 48 hours) here: docs.google.com/document/d/1A_ho44bYr-Nl6UdQ8snR2vdMiRMY1wfS3gXDFd2q9II/edit?usp=sharing
This is the real nitty gritty. I have wondered for years what those great classical players are doing at the frog, like what is that quick little motion.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love these exercises! Thank you very much! ❤️❤️
You're so welcome Male! You can find more exercises in my playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PL6By1KZHRO2L3qiJDGtpacH7j6hLl19Yx.html Happy Practicing 🙂
Awesome - thank you so much for these tips on bowing... I will certainly practice!! :)
You're so welcome!
That is amazing👍☀️ Thank you so much.
You are so welcome Josef!
I think it sounds fun. I just listened and am still learning/youtubing different techniques to improve the sound quality of this instrument. I will say I think you give the absolute best lessons I've heard and I'm looking forward to incorporating this into my jamming. Thanks in advance for any improvements I make due to your sharing
Thank you Patrick I’m happy it was helpful !
Awesome and helpful as always!!! :D
Glad you think so! thanks Aldonza!
you are a great teacher with a true techniques thanks for sharing your knowledge sir love from india 🎶❤️🙏
Thank you so much! Please share!
Great lesson Sir.
I started taking lessons and practicing violin two months ago, at the age of 62.
If I can play even a simple melody with that sound it will be graet music for me.
Thank you very much.
That's so great to hear Piotr! Feel free to play along to my many free lessons on my channel here: th-cam.com/play/PL6By1KZHRO2KHi59cupsiiPXU7tbyOZTw.html
For Transcriptions, Lessons & Proven Strategies to Grow Your Musicianship, subscribe to my free newsletter. It’s actionable and loved by 10,000 subscribers. swiy.co/ChristianHowesFreeNewsletter
Happy practicing 😊
@@ChristianHowesViolin Once again, thank you. I feel honored with your reply.
I is a great pleasure to listen to your music and watch and listen to your lesson.
Egads, a big thank you for the information..tomorrow start a new regime
Wonderful! Thank you David
You rock dude thank you
Glad it helped!
Soooo very helpful!
Thanks so much Penny Malcolm ! i'm glad you liked it. Get my free ecourses here: bit.ly/Free_ECourse
Thank you so much.
You're welcome!
I did indeed find this lesson helpful. First, it reinforced what my new violin teacher suggested, "long bows on open strings" for better sound. Second, it emphasized bow control, which I'm realizing is very important. I'm spending about half of my practice time with your youtube channel, and finding it very motivating and very beneficial. Thanks!
Hey Chuck-so glad my videos are helping your practice. Maybe you’d be interested in my creative string player group on facebook:
facebook.com/groups/creativestringsacademy/?ref=share
There’s a ton of resources and opportunities for support on there! Happy practicing :)
Very good tip. Thank u
You are welcome!
Thank you so much for that information! I think you just saved my neck some wear and tear. I realize now that I have been holding too much of the weight of my violin with my neck. You are fortunate you learned this at age 18!
so glad it was helpful for you!
Great pro tip...i have some of what you showed....i haven't been putting enough weight on the bow with index finger and hold through the stroke...this will help my tone a lot....looking forward to more tips!!!!
Glad it was helpful Terry! You can find more exercises in my playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PL6By1KZHRO2L3qiJDGtpacH7j6hLl19Yx.html Happy Practicing 🙂
I found this Chris! I thought you may have it somewhere. I'm on it ;) Thank you for the exercise. You know, I had done this in the past, but I didn't realize I was releasing the pressure at the frog until you pointed it out. Now that I'm recording myself it is much easier to see this little things. I'm so glad I can focus on this again. Thank you!
So glad it helped you Marlene!
I know I'm late, but oh wow, this makes so much sense! I'll try my best to master this technique. Thank you, sir!
Glad it helps thank you!
You are fabulous, my dear Master...🥰✌
Thank you!
THANK YOU, thank you, thank you - within 5 minutes you elimiated my bow bounce and my awful uneven tone (going flat within the bow stroke) - Just feels like I'm pushing pinky away as I start the downbow, and arching it it back up on the up bow - much more even tones now - brilliant !!!! thank you so much - SUBSCRIBED !!!!! :) BTW I'm a beginner about 12 weeks into lessons
so happy to hear it!!! Hope I can continue to support you Simon. I enjoy supporting violinists at all levels, wherever you are at. Let me know if i can help anytime
This video really really helps me finding why I have problem with controlling bow. Thank you so much.
Hey Leila, thanks so much for your comment! I work with tons of players that have this problem-If you’re interested in getting some 1-1 feedback from me, check out this offer I’m running. Here’s the coupon:
bit.ly/LessonCoupon
Happy practicing!
I’m on Day 7. Onwards to some bowing exercises! Thanks for your content
Great job! for proven strategies to grow your musicianship subscribe to my free newsletter here: swiy.co/Christian_Sub
Excellent - so helpful.
Yay! Glad it helped Kate
@@ChristianHowesViolin Sure did, also shared with my instructor who first told me about your videos and we reviewed everything you covered in this video during my lesson.
Thank your for this video! How can I go further ? Simply accelerate the motion more and more (for example with scales)? Indeed, it's really difficult to change bow at the frog without scratching OR loosing contact (to avoid scratching).
I’m 21 years and I just picked up my first entry violin last night and might I say, I’m not as bad as I thought I was in the beginning after watching this😂😂man when I first started bowing, I was all over the bridge, halfway up the fingerboard, I couldn’t keep it straight😂 but after about an hour or two of practicing this, though very minuscule, I noticed a difference in my sound; I wasn’t as timid as I was when I first started and, I’m no longer bowing all across the instrument😂great video man!
that's awesome!!! Glad it helped you!
This was very helpful! I need to experiment with holding my violin a bit higher because I have hyper-developed trapezius muscles and a chronic pinched nerve in my right shoulder for about 25 years. And sometimes mild tendonitis. Playing the violin all your life can really beat up your body! We are indeed elite athletes. I get physical therapy and see other holistic practitioners to work on these issues.
Thanks for the information!
Thank you for your feedback Kristin!!
Watch this video to build right hand finger strength: th-cam.com/video/vY9ymE8i6Dk/w-d-xo.html
Mazeltov!
Thanks Tom!
We are enrolling for my next semester of guided practice sessions (October and November weekly group class). Would you like an invite? If so drop your email here and I will send it. All the best, Chris
Thanks! Can you explain how to support the violin with the right hand and arm and have freedom to move the arm and hand around?
Yes I can but it would be best in the context of a private lesson
Massenet! Yus! Awesome! Thank you!
Glad it helped! Do you know about my weekly live (zoom) guided practice sessions? They’re a lot of fun. We’re opening registration for the next round of classes to start Oct 4th. Want an invite?
Hello, Chris, and thanks for this tutorial. I do feel my bow skip is better after this. I get that the ultimate goal of this exercise is to create that "figure 8" of the bow. I"m finding that my tone is significantly better from just the focus on the pressure of the forefinger. However, the making of the figure 8 is difficult at the frog, and not really a fluid motion yet. I assume this will come with time. Looking forward to seeing more. Where can I find these resources you mention? I'd love to subscribe.
Hi Joe- Shh don't tell anyone, but this is a "hidden" link that offers a free lesson. I bring it out and offer it from time to time. Look forward to support you. christianhowes.com/csa-free_trial/
Tone is so much better!!!!this way
Glad it helped!!
@@ChristianHowesViolin 😊🌹
I'm curious how to bow will go down when I first changed the location but that's why need to try it meny times. I'm curious. As a quite beginner is nice to get the curve
Thanks for your feedback!
Hi, you proposed to hold the violin with left hand to be able to put more pressure with bow to get the core sound and also to lessen the pressure on neck to avoid pain and injuries. when you demonstrated it you hold the body of the violin. So, how to hold the violin with left hand while playing? should we clamp with our thumb? then I fear I loose my fluency over the violin finger board. Please help. Thanks for great videos.
Don’t clamp:) The neck can rest loosely in the V between thumb and first finger
Thanks Chris, does a violist have to apply more pressure on the bow than a violinist? I here that violists have to work harder for their tone because of the thicker strings. Just wonder if I have to make any adjustments as a viola player.
I would say yes.
I'm an adult begginer and since the start have been struggling with shaky bow. Most of it is gone by now but it is still present at some points. I will do this exercise for the next two weeks for 5 minutes every day and will let you know how it goes. 😊
How did it go, my nigga?
Please can you help me as I have tried 3 shoulder rests, even one that would bend and none have given me total freedom and support! I have quite a drop down to my shoulder. Do you know what I can possibly do to help me with this problem? It hinders my playing and no scarf or sponge helps at all. Thank you so much.
try the slipperrest
Really good information, but please how do I get a better shoulder rest! I have had 3 shoulder rests and none really support me. I have had a sponge plus scarves etc. to no avail. Please help me as this is really holding me up. I have a shoulder rest that bends and still it doesn't properly support me. I am at my wits end. Please please can you advise me?
I can help you in a private lesson here: christianhowes.com/csa/
@@ChristianHowesViolin Thank you so much Christian.
I have been practicing violin for about 3 months, so should I learn this now or after few years of violin practise? Thanks
Now is the perfect time to learn this!
It didnt work out as a Child
I learned other things
It was always a Childhood Dream as well as becoming a Classical Concert Singer so I decided to learn ad an Adult beginner People said I cant I should not its too hard as an Adult...I didnt need it ....etc.. being stoborn...I didnt listen to them ... I am learning
I love it for Church Music too
I like your way of Teaching!
Thank you ❤️
Good for you in persisting!! If you would like more support in your violin practice I am happy to send you into about group lessons Et al
@@ChristianHowesViolin ok great!
I will check it out💓your website
Can I get the name of the pieces that you, Honorable Sir used in this video?
Specially the 5:17 one
Please see description
I do not get the reason for scratching and stopping. Exercise looks good but the pedagogy behind it lacking. Can you if possible elaborate. Puzzle incomplete
Would you recommend doing this on all 4 strings?
Sure!
Hi Chris,
I have followed the bowing technique you are demonstrating and I am bit lost. I thought the objective of the task is to demo how to bow smoothly. My problem is to understand the purpose of moving the bow towards & away from me at the frog.
What are we trying to eliminate by this exercise ? I am an Engineer I would like to hear any logical reasons for this exercise. Please do not misunderstand, violin is my passion!.
It’s a good question. I would guess that the thing to focus on is the motion of the right wrist. When we allow the wrist to bend in the ways I show in this video it naturally causes the frog of the bow to come closer or further. So the motion of the bow is a by product of the wrist. I’m guessing that we need the wrist to move to somehow absorb the pressure of the arm and calibrate it smoothly at the frog. I’m honestly not sure why this is different at the tip of the bow but perhaps at the tip of the bow the mechanism for exerting force on the bow and changing direction smoothly is easier for some reason (perhaps it comes from the fingers). Notice the wrist at the frog and also notice the swivel or figure 8 of the bow. Don’t take my word for it. Watch videos of great violinists and see if you can notice these phenomenon. Some violinists may also use more finger action at the frog but for me this toggling of the wrist is the answer. It takes time. Perhaps Consider taking some lessons with me or someone who really understands it. This problem is often misunderstood and underestimated.
We’re trying to eliminate 1, the bow jumping and shaking 2. The bow losing contact w the string during the upbow when approaching the frog 3. The consequences of both of these things including weak sound and weak rhythm
@@ChristianHowesViolin
Hi Chris
Thanks for the prompt response. I am still finding difficult to agree with the points you have mentioned.
I am a self learner who is willing to learn by experimenting concepts and theories. The points you have mentioned about, ‘bow jumping, Bow losing and weak sound Can be eliminated by applying the correct finger pressure.
If you rest the bow on the string without applying any wrist techniques or hand techniques and start bowing at a correct speed you will notice it will make some scratch noise when the bow gets close to the frog because of the gravity. Now the purpose of the pinky is to apply pressure to screw area of the bow to release the pressure at the winding where the index finger is resting. As you know the bow acts like a seesaw, the thumb acts like the Fulcrum. The bouncing of the bow can be eliminated by applying correct pressure on the index finger
The next point is , one of the reason why you need to bend the wrist close to 90 degrees or away from you is, if you do not change the angle of the wrist when you draw the bow upwards the bow angle wouldn’t be straight. We prefer to have 90 deg. with respect to the strings. This is also not 100% correct.
If I relax the body specially the hands and understand how to control the bow pressure i should be able to create a good tone.
I also noticed I can follow all the laws for a better bowing tone. If the violin is a cheaply made it would not produce a good tone. I feel some of these theories/ concepts picked up by word of mouth and the learners go through a difficult learning process. If you have seen Robots playing the violin many techniques wouldn’t be correct, the only different would be there wouldn’t be any feelings.
With all due respect I still enjoy your lesions . I am only expressing my ideas. Thanks for you time.
Kind Regards
Mike
Mic12 thanks Mike. Sorry but I’m honestly not sure what we are taking about any more. If you know how to get a good sound with the bow then you may not need help with that. I’m sure it is both difficult for me to explain in engineering terms but I am also quite confident in my teaching around bow technique. I also recommend lessons for self taught learners because getting personal feedback helps. And sometimes learners are just skeptical when they would serve themselves better to listen and learn from experts who have studied for 35 years. Not saying that is you, but some people are truly arrogant and just want to do it themselves and want to disagree with people who have spent a lifetime working on it. There is no substitute for getting personal feedback 1-1 in lessons. However there are more than just one way to approach bow technique and I respect that my approach may not be the best for everyone. Thanks
How can you hold the violin with your left hand, while changing positions?
Yes- this is the right question!!! the answer is 1) on the Shift Upwards, lift the violin. Lifting the violin (on the scroll side) allows gravity to secure the violin somewhat 2) On the downshift, lift again, but also allow the weight of the chin to provide additional security to keep violin from falling off shoulder. This process of shifting without grabbing with the neck takes time to learn.
I have the same question as Tiffany. I have spent 50 years holding with my neck so I can shift. Is there an exercise that will help break this bad habit?
@@ChristianHowesViolin please make a video demonstrating what you said. This is important to me as I have acute chronic back-neck pain.
I think Tiger Woods uses a trick ball. Like, its magnetized or something. Unless you have someone else behind the curtain playing the violin and your just on stage pretending, maybe dont compare yourself to sports figures. With that said, please to tell what violin, bow and pick-up you use. Gracias. Muy amable.
I compared the process of changing a fundamental habit of drawing the bow to changing a fundamental habit of swinging a golf club. It’s an apt comparison.
@@ChristianHowesViolin It is an apt comparison. And I don't remember what you said that made me write that comment. But there is a video out there where he hits a put and it does some cartoon trip around the green and finally makes it's way in. There's some strange basketball shots where the ball looks short of the basket and then gets added life and goes in. And football had weird things too. It certainly wasn't meant as an insult to you. I've taken about five lessons and was getting discouraged until I saw you playing some riff and then said, "Now you." "Now you." and so, I immediately felt, "Hey, I can play the violin!" So thanks for that.
putt, not put I meant to write.
@@danielgaughan4243 thank you. All good. Todos bien:)
When you are pushing out your wrist with your pink how do you do it in a fluid motion that isn't awkwardly feeling pushing it out. 😭 I'm too old to learn I think.
This takes time and patience to develop slowly and then become fluid
the crunching sounds is not the nicest sound in the world. Maybe putting on my practice mute will help, and I wont be banned from playing again. Thanks for sharing. There is always room for improvement :)
You may come to love that sound after all!
@@ChristianHowesViolin I might but then I would have to find somewhere else to live. I just got my violin should rest today. Time to play and watch everyone escaping to the far end of the house. This does not matter to me, as I am going to have a lot of fun, playing long with your lesson jam tracks. I am a note reader, and I need to each my ear to play. Take care stay awesome. :)
i cant stop bouncing no matter what I do 😑 how to get the smooth bow 🙄
sign up to take a lesson w me here: christianhowes.com/csa/
Is that a Maggini violin? I see double purflings on your violin!
I believe it's a Maggini copy:)
Watch this. Polyphonic playing on violin. th-cam.com/video/CkA22XiwQj0/w-d-xo.html