Want to know the proper way to hold your cello bow?
Bow hold front
Bow hold back
Cello Bow Hold Tips
Relax hand, slightly turn wrist to the left, and let the fingers drop into place.
The tip of the bent thumb touches the frog contact point.
Fingers gently curve over the top of the bow stick.
Do not let the fourth finger (little finger) rest on top of the bow stick as it does in the violin and viola bow hold. Let the fourth finger curve and extend over the top of the bow stick along with the other fingers.
Cello Bow at the frog
Cello Bow at the middle
Cello Bow at the tip
Cello Bow Placement Tips
Good tone quality is achieved through proper bow placement, bow speed and bow pressure.
Slightly tilt the wood of the bow towards the fingerboard.
Place the bow on the string at the middle point between the bridge and the fingerboard.
Draw the bow in a straight line so the bow remains parallel to the bridge.
Loud sounds can be achieved with heavy bow pressure and by drawing the bow close to the bridge.
Soft sounds can be achieved with light bow pressure and by drawing the bow close to the fingerboard.
Keep the level of the arm and bow constant while playing on different strings.
