Loose bow hand on the cello

[GuitarCelloman]

I used to play like this, but a few months ago I started getting a horrible pain in my thumb between my pointer finger and my thumb. I was gripping too hard with the thumb throughout the stroke. For me, although this method does help with smooth bow changes, there needs to be a way to release the thumb at the frog when changing from up bows to down bows. At 3:57 it looks like you are still maintaining pressure with the thumb.

[CelloProfessor]

@GuitarCelloman At 3:57 Actually, I am not demonstrating what happens at the bow change. What I am demonstrating is what happens during the down bow immediately after the bow change. Yes, the thumb releases the upward pressure right at the moment of the bow change. What you are describing as a horrible pain "between my pointer finger and my thumb" could be the muscle for your pointer finger (this is often confused).

[GuitarCelloman]

@CelloProfessor Makes sense, but when can you release the pressure in the fore-finger, if that is where I'm pushing too much?

[CelloProfessor]

@GuitarCelloman Instead of thinking of "pushing down" the forefinger, think of tuning the entire forearm left (pronated) like turning a doorknob (this moves the 1st finger *down* into the stick of the bow and the thumb *up* - exactly what is needed to achieve power into the bow). The power then originates in the forearm, bicep, shoulder, and upper back and the first finger merely *transmits* this power into the bow.

[TheMaxJP]

Wtf is a CelloPhant? Whoever get use to it must be doom when they were asked to play without it...

[SunshineTheBard]

I have abnormally short thumbs, is this going to effect my bow hand?

[MsCellobass]

i have had enormous trouble with my bow arm. Thanks.

[bowholdbuddies]

Wonderful !

In my studio, students learn the bow hold very quickly using the CelloPhant[tm] bow accessory. The accessory keeps the hand relaxed and fingers in place while we learn more music.

Thanks!

[MsCellobass]

@bowholdbuddies ppl should not have anysort of appliance on the bow like a crutch. Stop promoting what can be a bad habit.

[ClaudiaDenise]

this is just what i need

[chainstoking]

Your arm works well so you do not need such a flexible wrist, as a result you are emphasising each note within the slur with what should be a line of un-articulated notes. This affects the musical line. At 1.48 we hear wah wah wah wah Waaaah within the one bow.

You have some similarities with violin technique and this goes back to the old days of violinists teaching cellists. You use your wrist to move the bow, change direction, as well as do string crossings! The arm is a better tool.

[PaulBaOBeI]

thumbs up! & thanks

[Bigbug123456]

Hi, im 16 and I am principle cellist at my high school. A few years ago I got into a car accident, that seperated my right shoulder. I didnt need any surgery because the doctor said i would have a higher chance of injuring it more. Now, its healed, but when I play longer songs like concertos, my shoulders get very tense, and it is very hard for me to relax, and . Ive tried some techniques, any recommendations on how to help me loosen up?

[HydroxicAcidBoy]

Very well explained. Thank you.

[magicrainyday]

That was a very clear explanation! Thank you so much! that was very helpful.

[Strings7]

I have a problem in that when i bow, quite often i have trouble keeping my thumb bent, it always goes straight or just slips past the place where it should be. i see u have a grip on your bow, my teacher has that as well and has offered to put one on my bow. any suggestions how i can fix my erring thumb?

[Osirls]

for years my teacher has been trying to promote this in my bowing technique but I haven't managed it yet!

He never put it like you did though so I'm going to work on it!

Maybe I'll finally be proud of the sound quality of my Cello playing!

[WinterxMusic]

Thank you for posting this video! I'm currently learning the Saint Saen concerto and this video helped me play with better bow changes like how you demonstrated! ^_^

[DivineFellowship]

Tremendous. I have been struggling to learn the cello without a teacher and this is really breakthrough teaching, from one who is obviously a master player. It will be very helpful for me. Great thanks for sharing this very special knowledge.

[ClaudiaDenise]

thanksss!!

i always tried to do that xD

[jellyxxxx]

I see what you're trying to teach us.....I think.

As a 12 year old boy I think you are trying to teach us yo have a smooth boy..when you're slurring to make it smooth rather than stopping the bow mid way when the notes are slurred..?

[CelloProfessor]

Yes, that's pretty much it. When you change bow directions you often need it to be smooth without an accent. This can be when you are slurring or doing separate bows.

[Mymothercanrun]

Here's what I want to know, at 1:25, when you play multiple notes on one bow pull, is that the same as slurring? See, I come from a brass instrument, so to me, that seems like something you would do for slurring, but I'm pretty sure I'm wrong. Is hammering down your finger enough to have a distinct separate note?

[CelloProfessor]

You are correct; is is slurring. You can create articulation in the fingers when slurring.

[htuffen]

thanks - this is exactly what i've needed to work on for years. if only one day i could play on stage without fear of hand cramps....

[htuffen]

thanks - exactly what i have needed to practise for years! hope the days of hand cramps on stage will be a thing of the past...

[babel1190]

Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JaliceJally]

Thanks so much.

You're website has loads of information, and I am grateful for it.

I'll hope to see future videos.

:)

[CelloProfessor]

Thanks for the compliment. I'll be posting a bunch more!