Spiccato and other strokes that are lifted for articulation need flexibility in the bow hand. For example, down-bow retakes, and lifting the bow into the …read more
Bouncing Bowings
Introduction to Spiccato
Definition “A slow to moderate speed bouncing stroke.” In spiccato, the down-bow and up-bow actions should be the same: Use the same bow speed. Start …read more
From Vertical Bounce to Bananas
You can find a spiccato stroke by letting the bow fall to the string from a height and bouncing off straight away without any bowstroke …read more
Forearm Spiccato Towards Nut
Often a useful short cut to spiccato is to play détaché while raising the elbow slightly to change the angle of the bow to the …read more
Smooth String Crossing
Practise spiccato on all four strings, either open strings or a simple four-note chord like G Major. Make the whole-arm string-crossing movement as smooth and …read more
Start on E-String
To develop fluency practise spiccato with a variety of rhythms and starting points on different strings. Here are groups of four notes on open strings, …read more
Start Up-Bow
Practise starting up-bow to develop an even bowstroke. Uneven playing is often caused by a strong down-bow followed by a weaker up-bow. Starting with an …read more
Repeated Up-Bows
Standing spiccato (playing spiccato using repeated up or down bows) is a forearm movement supported by hand and finger action. Practise the action on an …read more
Introduction to Reflex Bowings
Reflex or rebound bowings have an active and a passive component. Engaging the passive reaction allows the stroke to work at greater speed. For instance …read more
Introduction to Sautillé
Definition “A characteristically rapid, and alternating down and up-bow bouncing stroke.” Sautillé is a reflex action It is a rebound bowing in that the down-bow …read more