Encountering issues with an angled bow is a common challenge for those starting out on the violin or viola. Here are three effective exercises to guide your bow towards the correct alignment.

Bow Tracing

  1. Begin by placing the tension screw of your bow against the edge of your music stand. Hold the tip of the bow with your left hand.
  2. With your right hand on the stick, use the proper bow hold and delicately ‘trace’ the stick (ensure your fingers and wrist remain relaxed).
  3. Perform this exercise in front of a mirror to monitor and refine your technique.

Bridge Tracing

  1. Position the bow on the bridge, ensuring the bridge aligns with the middle of the bow hair.
  2. Keep the bow hair flat as you draw the bow, ‘tracing’ or playing directly on the bridge. You should not hear a pitch during this exercise.

Tip: Focus on maintaining gentle pressure; the goal here is to enhance bow arm mechanics and develop muscle memory.

Upside Down Bow

This unique exercise involves holding your bow upside down. By doing so, you can identify and rectify any issues with bow alignment:

  1. If you’re over-extending your bow arm on the extension, you’ll feel the Frog pulling the bow towards the fingerboard.
  2. Over-flexing the forearm may result in the Frog pulling the bow towards the bridge.

These exercises aim to promote proper bowing technique, helping you establish a straight bow path. Regular practice of these drills will contribute to improved muscle memory and overall bow control.