Set up Your Bow Hold in Six Steps

The way you hold the bow has a huge impact on your playing. A properly set up hold will feel relaxed and allow for good tone, a wide range of dynamics, and increased bow control. Howerver, holding the bow is not how we hold things in our daily lives, and as a result, it may take time for the bow hold to feel natural. Follow these six steps to simplify the learning process:

Step One: Make a Bunny

Using your right hand, make a "bunny" by placing your two middle fingers (bunny teeth) over your curved thumb. Your first and fourth fingers (index and pinky fingers) are the bunny ears.

The tip of the thumb will make contact with the first joint (the one closest to the fingernail) of your second finger (middle finger).

The placement of your fingers should make a circle.

Check that your wrist is relaxed by making the bunny "hop". If the wrist is loose, the hand will bounce up and down from the wrist.

Step Two: Left Hand Support

Use your left hand to hold the middle of the bow. This provides extra support and makes it easier to make adjustments while you're placing the "bunny" on the bow.

As you get comfortable with holding the bow, this step will become unnecessary. The right hand will automatically place the hold when you pick up the bow.

Step Three: Thumb Placement

Open the "bunny's mouth" and place the tip of the thumb inside the stick, between the frog and grip.

Avoid placing the thumb too far inside. The second finger will need room to be placed directly in front of the thumb.

Step Four: The Middle Fingers

Place the "bunny's teeth" over the frog. The stick should make contact with the first joint of both fingers.

Place the second finger directly across from the thumb. The finger will rest in the "U" shape created by the frog. Double check that your thumb is curved.

Step Five: The First Finger

Drape the first finger over the stick. Position the stick so that it makes contact with the finger between the first and second joints.

The stick should NOT be in direct contact with a joint. Incorrect placement makes it more difficult to achieve good tone production and loud dynamics.

Step Six: The Fourth Finger

Place the fourth finger on the back of the stick. Notice how the stick above the frog is

carved into an octagon shape. When placing the fourth finger, you should feel the corner of the octagon between your nail and the fleshy part of the finger.

Correct Spacing/Positioning

Now that your bow hold is set, double check the spacing and positioning of fingers.

The second, third and fourth fingers should be evenly spaced and not too far apart or close together. The first finger will be placed a little farther away.

If your fourth finger is straight, bring it closer to the rest of your hand (without touching the third finger). It will curve naturally.

The thumb should be positioned perpendicular to the stick.

Avoid pointing the thumb's knuckle toward the tip of the bow. If the thumb leans in that direction, the second joint of the first finger will be in contact with the stick.

The bow hold will take time to master, but with deliberate repetition and practice, you'll be a bow holding pro in no time!

Looking for more bow technique exercises? Check out my book "Beginner Bow Technique" and start feeling more comfortable with your bow control!