The art of bowing.

[Jeff Moote]

Originally Posted by David Powell

If you don't play German bow, how would you know?

Well, I wouldn't! That's not really the point though as I think no matter the grip you have to use your arm. Sure, maybe not as much for shorter off the string strokes, but all the power comes from the shoulder (and beyond). Nick's post confirms this for me, that German players do it too. It also sounds like you can use your fingers to aid in attack.

Just for fun, Jeff, you should try out a German bow. It also makes a difference if you are sitting or standing.

No thanks - I don't see any reason to waste time practicing something I'll never use. I think it's best that everyone just picks a grip and continues to develop that all along. Once you've mastered one, it's fair to consider spending some time on the other but as far as I'm concerned I'd like to focus on getting one right

I can get 2 inches of very rapid motion with just fingers and wrist. Not that I do that on long notes, just the quick staccato ones. I'll try to take some photos of what I do. Perhaps that will help.

I don't think I need photos - understand and this sounds quite fine, but even when executing spicatto you can't use only your fingers. They can aid the movement, but all the sound comes from the shoulder.

[Johnny Layton]

Originally Posted by Jeff Moote

I think it's best that everyone just picks a grip and continues to develop that all along.

I tend to agree, ultimately. I can be a tough call, though, especially when you're a curious sort and the opportunity to explore comes one's way.

I was encouraged to try French bow after only a year of lessons and study by my teacher, who was and still is quite far advanced from me in experience and skill. I did and it was fun, but it didn't take me long to return to the German bow and "get back to work".

Plus consider, say, Paul Ellison switching grips at leisure no matter the bow. I always thought that was darn cool.

Sorry not trying to argue anything, really...just enjoying the bowing thinking stuff all over again

[Richard Prowse]

I played French for many years and switched to German about 3 years ago because of an RSI type hand injury. I love German but, if I had to play French for a while that would be fine too. Each bow definitely has its own advantages but I think that the same basic mechanics of bowing apply to both. I honestly believe that a good arco player would get pleasing results from both bows... good bowing is as much in the head.
Articulation, now there's another problem. Anyone had a go at the Take 5 B section?

[David Powell]

Take Five;- I'll give it a shot later today, Richard. We will be performing tonight and will probably do "Take Five" but I have to play it in key to match the sax. I remember my biggest problem last time I tried it was figuring out where to place the arpeggios in those chords. It seems I was leaning heavily toward thumb position for the whole series of chords but it is possible to do it several different fingerings, all of which result in several different appoaches to the strokes. That is the toughest jazz melody to put on the finger board that I have tried yet. I'm sure once I get the "trick" of the placement down, it will be pretty straight forward.

[Richard Prowse]

Originally Posted by David Powell

Take Five;- I'll give it a shot later today, Richard. We will be performing tonight and will probably do "Take Five" but I have to play it in key to match the sax. I remember my biggest problem last time I tried it was figuring out where to place the arpeggios in those chords. It seems I was leaning heavily toward thumb position for the whole series of chords but it is possible to do it several different fingerings, all of which result in several different appoaches to the strokes. That is the toughest jazz melody to put on the finger board that I have tried yet. I'm sure once I get the "trick" of the placement down, it will be pretty straight forward.

The tune's pretty easy (note wise) in Gm. I play the A section down the bass and do the B section in thumb position. It's the arco articulation of that B section that I spend a lot of time thinking about. I worry about not getting a good feel. I'll be very interested to get your opinion.
Thanks David

[Johnny Layton]

Hey I found some guys playing Take 5 (well, as part of a medley of sorts). Haven't tried to ape it yet and don't quite know which key they're playing in, but thought you guys might like to see it and compare notes. Just scroll down the page till you get to the Bass Gang and click.

http://www.xbass.org/Eng/index.php

[Mark Mazurek]

WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!!!







...deep breath...









You know how women think?

I've bowed for a long time (longer than I've understood verbs or how women think) and probably...