Holding the bow

Question

When playing violin, do you hold the bow with a pronated or supinated wrist?

Answer 1

Both! Your bow hold should never be static. Depending on where you are in the bow, and whatever dynamics, strokes, or effects you are playing, your bow hold can be very flexible. What's most important is that your arm and shoulders are completely relaxed, and your motion is always fluid (save for more aggressive articulation!), so that the string is always ringing. You should feel the weight of your arm as you play into the string. This will help you create a warm and full sound.

Answer 2

Historically, there have been bow holds that were supinated, with the hand under the bow instead of on top of it. But the bows also had a different shape in the past. There are a few different acceptable ways to hold the modern bow, but all of them are with the wrist pronated.

If you have additional questions about bow holds and are actually learning to play the violin, I suggest asking them within the context of a private lesson, so your teacher can make sure that you are understanding the answers to your questions. In general, violin technique is better explained by demonstrations rather than descriptions.

Answer 3

You pronate your wrist! Imagine holding the stick with your index finger while you middle two fingers are "superglued" to the frog and the pinky is the counterweight!

Answer 4

Hi there! Something that helps me is relaxing my fingers so that the bowing movement is more fluid. Remember to keep your wrist in a straight line with the rest of your arm and fingers, not too low or high. Happy playing!