Loose bow hand on the cello

This video describes how to have a loose bow hold on the cello. It includes exercises for loose finger motion.

For more information see www.CelloProfessor.com

Category:

Education

Tags:

• cello
• bow
• hold
• fingers
• loose
• tension

[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.

[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.

[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]

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

[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!