Pizzicato is a term used to describe when you pluck the strings on a string instrument using your right or left hand fingers. To get a better sound while playing pizzicato apply more pressure to the left hand fingers than you normally do. Applying too little pressure dampens the vibrations of the string. Pizzicato can be played with either hand and with several fingers. It can be played alternating the fingers from both hands and can even be played with the left hand while fingering. The most common way to hold the bow when playing pizz is to grip it securely with your fist so as not to drop it and to secure the thumb to the corner of the fingerboard as a guide to find the notes. To play a more careful and soft pizzicato draw your hand forward while pulling across the string for a brushed pizz.