8 Tips to Sound Sweet on the Violin | Violin Lounge TV #492
Looking to improve your violin sound quality?
Learn the exact bowing techniques and fingering to make your violin sound sweet and romantic
Video content:
- 00:10 Avoid open strings
- 00:25 Play in higher positions on lower strings (choice of fingering)
- 00:54 Lower point of contact
- 01:18 Less weight and slow bow
- 02:15 Place on the bow (bow distribution)
- 02:46 Tilt the bow
- 03:26 Slow vibrato
- 04:47 Bow smoothly
#1 Avoid open strings
Stopped notes will have a warm mellow sound compared to open strings. Here’s a video on when to avoid open strings with some examples.
#2 Play in higher positions on lower strings
Lower strings have a warmer sound. This is way we sometimes play whole phrases just on the G string. The choice of string and fingering influences the sound.
#3 Lower point of contact
The contact point is where on the string the bow hair is placed. If you play near the fingerboard, the sound will be softer.
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#4 Less weight and slow bow
By using less weight, the sound will be softer. By choosing a low bow speed, the sound will also be softer. Experiment and discover the sweet spot.
#5 Place on the bow (bow distribution)
At the frog you’ll have a stronger sound, while at the tip it’s easier to sound softer and sweeter. Always be aware where on the bow you will play certain notes. This needs to be balanced out with the weight, speed and contact point I mentioned earlier.
#6 Tilt the bow
By tilting the bow in the direction of the scroll, you will play with less hair and the sound will get softer and sweeter. You can choose to tilt the bow just at the frog or throughout the whole bow stroke.
#7 Slow vibrato
A fast narrow vibrato can sound nervous. Make slow, wide and lush vibrato for more romantic pieces.
#8 Bow smoothly
By making fluent movements with your wrist and fingers, you smoothen out the bow changes and create a more resonant sound. Watch this video violin lesson all about bowing smoothly.
Which tip helped you most to improve your violin sound quality?
Leave a comment with your insights and/or questions.
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