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Member
Hi Folks,
So, here we are again, bow trouble!
I have noticed when playing on the A string, particularly in first finer I am starting to skid sideways with a jarring noise. My husband says my bow is not straight but does not sho on any other string as it does the A.
My main issue is I can't see the bow properly due to my sight. Looking in a mirror is also impossible.
At the moment I am doing a lot of slow open string work but any other suggestions would be most welcome.
Louise
Honorary advisor
Regulars
@scottishlass
Another problem, which I have also been plagued with, is you may be moving your arm at your shoulder, bringing your elbow back during the down bow. This is a very common problem, sometimes referred to as "chicken wing".
Try standing against a wall and practice your bowing on the A string. When you bow down, make sure that your upper arm (between your shoulder and your elbow) is in contact with the wall as you bow. This means you will stand slightly at angle to the right, not flat against the wall (for right-handed playing).
This will prevent your arm from moving back as you bow, and should also encourage you to bend your wrist as you bring down the bow.
You should watch your bowing and make sure the bow remains perpendicular to the strings, at least for the first few days of this practice.
Do this for 5 minutes each day as part of your practice.
- Pete -
Advanced member
I once saw a video where the instructor took 2 drinking straws, inserted one partway into the other, bent it so it look kind of like a down bow symbol, cut the ends to a reasonable length, and stuck the end into the round part of the f holes to create a DIY bow guide.
Unfortunately I couldn't find it in order to supply the link, but a bow guide might help you feel where you are going wrong.
Member
Thank you for all the suggestions.
I have been trying a few different bowing exercises to get my bowing straighter. Having my shoulder against a door makes a big difference. I have combinded that with lots of slow open string bowing.
The other thing I have realised is if I don't actually look at the violin when I am playing I seem to bow straighter. Ì think my dodgy eyesight makes the bow look crooked when it is actually straight!
Member
scottishlass said
Hi Folks,So, here we are again, bow trouble!
I have noticed when playing on the A string, particularly in first finer I am starting to skid sideways with a jarring noise. My husband says my bow is not straight but does not sho on any other string as it does the A.
My main issue is I can't see the bow properly due to my sight. Looking in a mirror is also impossible.
At the moment I am doing a lot of slow open string work but any other suggestions would be most welcome.
Louise
You mentioned vision problems, may I suggest that you try and watch your bow on the A-string and E-string by closing your left eye and just the opposite for the other 2 strings. My daughter is eye dr and she pointed out to me what difference it makes in bow straightening.
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