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What to Play When Buying a Violin Bow?

How to try out violin bows and find your ideal bow?

In this article you’ll learn how to discover the differences and the exact phrases I play:

A different violin bow can make a huge different in your sound and bowing technique. It can be the secret to your beautiful sound!

When you buy your first violin, you focus on the sound and quality of the violin. The bow usually comes ‘with it’. A couple of years later, it can be very interesting to search for a bow that matches your playing and your instrument perfectly.

A good bow can make your violin sound better. Also you can develop your bowing technique and tone production further with a bow that helps you. Trying out different bows and discover the possibilities can deepen your violin playing.

Picking a bow is even more personal than picking a violin

wand chooses wizzardI own a violin shop in Holland for over ten years and when clients buy a violin, I can demonstrate several instruments. Based on the sound, the client can form an opinion. Of course a violin will sound different played by a different player, but in the basis the character of the instrument will be the same.

When looking for a bow, I always have to think of this Harry Potter scene, where Harry visits Ollivander’s shop to select a wand. ‘The wand chooses the wizzard’.

Of course buying a violin bow isn’t that magical, but it’s extremely personal. One bow isn’t necessarily better or worse than the other, however there are general quality differences, but it needs to ‘fit’ you.

Don’t get overwhelmed

The first time you’re going to try out bows, you’ll be like a kid in the candy store. You want to grab and try every bow. This can be fun for a while, but to make a good decision, you should limit your choices. Start with a selection of three to five bows.

The first selection of bows

When this is your first time trying out different violin bows, you need to build your frame of reference. The first selection can be very diverse, so you can see what’s ‘on the market’.

In case you’ve tried out bows before and you know what you’re looking for, you can narrow down the first selection based on balance, weight or stiffness. Even if you’re experienced, keep all options open. Don’t limit yourself too much to one brand, one maker or one price range.

Keeping track and selecting

When you notice a bow is ‘meh’ or you struggle with it, reject it immediately. The first nudge is the most accurate. Besides that it’s easier to decide what bows you don’t want than to try out fifty bows and pick one.

Reject bow after bow, until one or two favorites remain. Add some new bows to your selection, so you’ll have a second round of five bows. Repeat this process depending on the size of the assortiment of your violin shop.

How to try out violin bows, so you can bow with ease and make a beautiful sound? Read here: #violin #violinist Share on X

What to play when looking for a violin bow?

There are two things you want to compare: the sound and the playability. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell what is “play” and what is “sound”, as both overlap when you play properly.

Play very short fragments

First of all play small fragments of music or scales. The short memory of our brain has a huge capacity for complex sounds, but keeps information only for about 18 seconds. So play only 8 to 12 notes on one string in one position.

I understand that you want to get to know each bow fully before switching to the other. However, this is not the best way to notice differences and compare. Play small fragments and switch a lot.

Explore these ‘tricky’ notes and positions for the sound of the violin bow

There are three regions on every bowed instrument that are especially difficult. They help telling a difference. These are the first position on the lowest string (violin G, viola and cello C), the third position of the second highest string (A resp. D) and fifth position and up on the highest string (E, resp. A).

Explore different bowing techniques for the playability of the violin bow

After discovering the differences in sound, play short fragments in different bowing techniques. Remember to try one bowing technique on each bow and not all bowing techniques on one bow before switching to the next. In this way, it’s much easier to find the differences.

Depending on what bowing techniques you know, try the following:

  • A very, very slow (put down) spiccato in forte
  • Very rapid short notes in detaché
  • Very slow bow strokes in pianissimo (whole bow, frog to tip)
  • Alternating between a fast spiccato and legato to discover how the bow switches between different bowing techniques and how you can control it

Hi! I'm Zlata

Let me help you find a great bow for your violin, so you can improve your bowing technique and sound quality:

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Hi! I'm Zlata

Classical violinist helping you overcome technical struggles and play with feeling by improving your bow technique.

READ MORE

Prepare fragments of music with different bowing techniques

Apart from some technical runs, also try out the bows in ‘real music’. This is what we buy that beautiful violin bow for, don’t we? You’ll notice that your expression flows better with one bow than the other.

Ideally you don’t have to think about WHAT you play, so you can focus fully on noticing the differences between the bows.

In my shop (despite the relaxing atmosphere and charming sales person, haha) clients sometimes get nervous. Mainly amateur players aren’t used to play alone when other people are listening. Of course it’s very valuable to bring a friend, your orchestra buddy or teacher along, but it can make you a little nervous to play. Suddenly you forget all those phrases you think you know by hart.

Download my ‘bow try out phrases schedule’

what to play when you try out a violin bowYup, it probably needs a more catchy name, but perhaps my personal sheet of music can help you make your own. Of course the repertoire you use can be totally different, but it gives you an idea. It’s on the right and you can click on it to see the large version.

Remember to not give a concert, but limit the fragment you play before switching to the next bow to 18 seconds! Don’t play the entire fragment you see in my schedule.

How was your experience with trying out violin bows?

I’d love to read your comments below this article. Also tell me more about the bow you have now and what you love about it! Read here about my own bow.

Would you like to see the most expensive, cheapest, best and worst violin bows demonstrated and discussed by two professional violinists?

Together with concert violinist Giedre I’ve made an extensive video series where we play with and discuss many types and brands of violin bows to help you make a good choice.

Download the Ultimate Guide to Buying a Violin Bow

Violin Self Study Tips: Learn to Play the Violin Fast

Can you teach yourself how to play the violin?

Can you learn to play the violin without a teacher?

Look, whether you have a teacher or not: in violin playing (and music making in general) we’re ALL self taught. If you have weekly lessons and practice daily: most of the time YOU will be the one correcting yourself and not your teacher.

I’ve seen adult beginners get good results learning the violin themselves

However… most of the times these are exceptions. They are people with musical talent, who have a good ear to correct themselves. They are very critical or even perfectionistic. To self learn the violin you must be very independent to search and filter the right information. You can find a lot online, but there is also a lot of nonsense and stuff that isn’t applicable to you right now.

Most self learners get stuck and look for a teacher anyway

This is something you have to be prepared for. Certainly in the beginning the feedback of a teacher and not inventing the wheel yourself is really important. Your progress will be much faster and you won’t get stuck.

On the violin you quickly develop bad habits that take a lot of time to correct. On the long run it can be cheaper to get a good teacher right away, but I know that this isn’t possible for everyone.

Keep in mind that the violin is one of the most difficult musical instruments. Even with a teacher, for most people it takes years to sound good.

Violin self study tips to learn to play the #violin fast Share on X

Tips to self learn the violin

1) Take it slow!

It so important that you get the basics right and don’t try to learn everything at once. First focus on the relaxed and balanced violin hold and bow hold. Being precise about the basic technique, will save you a lot of time in the long run.

2) Be your own teacher (even if you have a teacher)

90% to 100% of the time or more your teacher isn’t there to correct you.

If you’re not taking lessons, try to imagine you’re your own teacher. Correct yourself. Listen to yourself. Don’t let yourself get away with a sloppy technique. Try to get it right all the time.

If you DO have a teacher, his/her job is to guide you in your practice and NOT to do the learning for you. We’re al self learners! To me it helps to imagine my teacher is in the room and I try to imagine what he would say about my playing.

3) Practice consistently

The nr 1 reason why people get stuck in violin playing and quit is that they don’t practice consistently, don’t see results and lose motivation.

If you’re not willing to play the violin daily, think very hard if you want to play this instruments. It takes a lot of time and dedication, not just to become a virtuoso, but also to learn to play nicely after some years.

4) Be a lifelong learner

There won’t be a day that you master the violin, can play everything and are endlessly happy with your own playing. Even the most famous soloists have critique on their own playing and improve themselves are day. Most of them take lessons or ask collegues for advice.

We are all students and we stay students. Enjoy the process. Approach your violin playing with curiosity, patience and love.

Now I’d love to hear from you!

What are your experiences with self studing the violin in any way or form? Do you have a private teacher or did you learn in another way? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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How to Play Viola as a Violinist?

With almost the same playing technique as your violin, you can easilly pick up a deep and warm sounding instrument: the viola!

learn to play violaPlaying the viola as a violinist expands your possibilities in sound colors and playing together

As a bonus your violin playing will be more effortless if you play the viola

Many famous violinist, like Janine Jansen, have made recordings with the viola. Many violin teachers recommend playing both, because it improves your technique and tone creation.

You’re special when you play viola!

Orchestra’s and quartets are often looking for a good violist. If you want to play together, it will be easy to find an ensemble.

Is there an orchestra that you want to join? Maybe there’s a waiting list for violinist, but most of the time there’s a shortage of violists.

For adult beginners, the viola is a good instrument to chose if your ambition is to play together with others.

Isn’t it difficult or confusing when you pick up the viola next to the violin?

In contrary! Playing the viola will benefit your violin playing. You’ll play lighter with a relaxed technique.

By having to get used to larger distances between the fingers, your intonation (playing in tune) will improve. You learn to trust on your ears and adjust to what you hear.

You learn a lot about bowing technique and tone production. Playing the viola you have to adjust to a larger instrument with a different response. You learn a lot about proportions and adjusting your technique to the sound you desire.

5 Steps to learn the viola for violinists

The first time you play the viola, you’ll instantly enjoy the warm and deep sound. It will be a bit difficult to bow straight on the right contact points, as the instrument is larger. You’ll have to get used that your left hand is a bit further away from your body and you’ll have to stretch your fingers a bit to reach the notes.

Step 1: What to look for when buying a viola

First of all it’s important that you find the right size for you. The best way to find out is to visit a violin shop and try out different sizes. Viola’s are measured in inch. The most regular size is 16 inch, which is the size of the soundbox. When you find this too large, 15 inch might be better for you. Please note tht the sound won’t be as deep and full as a 16 inch. Read more in my viola size guide.

Sound and size

The viola has her characteristic sound, because the size of the instrument is in fact too small. A cello sounds an octave lower than a viola. The viola should be bigger to match it’s pitch, but it wouldn’t be possible to hold it under your chin.

The larger the viola, the more it will have the deep and full sound of the cello. The smaller the viola, the more it will have the bright sound of a violin.

Of course the sound also depends on the quality of the instrument: the tone wood that is used and the maker who built it.

Step 2: How to Hold and Tune the Viola

The viola is larger and heavier than the violin. This can cause problems around holding the instrument and finding a suitable chinrest and shoulder rest.

As a violist it’s even more important that you work on a relaxed and balanced hold.

A lot of people make the mistake that they clench the viola between their shoulder and chin. This causes a tensed sound and possible injuries.

It’s important to support the viola partially with your left hand and let it rest on your collar bone. I like to play the viola without shoulder rest. You must find a good balance.

When looking for a comfortable chinrest and shoulder rest for the viola, don’t be fooled to solve all your problems. It’s always 80% playing technique (hold, relaxation and balance) and only 20% rests. Don’t spend too much time and money on different rests while not working on your basic technique.

Step 3: Bowing technique on the viola

To get that full and deep viola sound you desire, you’ll have to play with more weight than you do on the violin.

The frequency of the notes is lower, the instrument is larger and the strings are thicker. It needs some more ‘force’ to get those string moving and make a sound with core. This is why a viola bow is heavier and thicker than a violin bow.

It’s important that you have a viola bow that can make your viola speak and get a good response. The CodaBow Joule is a viola bow I recommend in my violin shop in Holland. Als the stiff and light Müsing bows for viola might be the solution to your problem.

In playing viola it’s even more important you know the difference between weight and pressure

When you play in a forced way pushing the bow into the string, you ‘kill’ or ‘suffocate’ the sound and your effort won’t results in the tone quality you desire. This won’t get you a full sound and the unnecessary force and tension might even lead to injury.

Instead relax your right shoulder and arm. Transfer the weight of your arm into the bow through your index finger. Lean on the bow. Your bow hold should be slightly tilted to the left (pronation) to transfer the weight successfully. It’s like you turn a key a bit to the left. Your bow hold should be flexible and relaxed, so your bow can resonate optimally and your bow changes are smooth.

Wow! It isn't so difficult to play #viola as a #violinist #violin Share on X

FREE Violin Scale Book

Sensational Scales is a 85 page violin scale book that goes from simple beginner scales with finger charts all the way to all three octave scales and arpeggios

Download!

Hi! I'm Zlata

Classical violinist helping you overcome technical struggles and play with feeling by improving your bow technique.

READ MORE

Step 4: Play in tune on the viola

When you normally play and correct your pitch by ear, it won’t be difficult to hit the right notes on the viola. You’ll notice yourself when it’s not right and you’ll get used to the larger distances within days or weeks.

Do you play with stickers on the fingerboard, you’ll have to work on your ear training. This will benefit your violin AND your viola playing. It’s very valuable to learn this.

4 Tips for left hand technique on the viola

Even if you know where you should be by ear, hitting the right notes can be a stretch for your hand. Try to pivot your lower arm, so your knuckles are more in line with the neck of the viola. The smaller the distance between your knuckles and the neck, the easier it is for your fingers to reach the right spots.

Your fingers should land on the string from above like little hammers. Make sure to embrace the viola with your left arm properly.

Yup, the fourth finger can be a challenge! It can help to place your thumb opposite your second or even third finger instead of the first finger.

It’s possible that you can’t put all four fingers at once on the viola. When you place the third or fourth finger, it can help to lift the first or second finger. Going up for example a scale, your hand rolls from the first finger to the fourth finger.

Step 5: How to read in the viola cleff

how to read in the viola cleff for violinistsViolists read in a different cleff: the C cleff. Reading notes is the biggest challenge violinists experience when picking up the viola. The note C is on the middle line of the staff. This means that the note you see is seven notes lower than in the violin cleff. An easier way to look at this is that the note you see is an octave higher and a note lower than the note that should sound. In the image on the right you see the F cleff (cello and piano left hand), the C cleff (viola) and the G cleff (violin).

How to get used to the viola cleff

Start with simple tunes, perhaps from a beginner book. While you are playing, say the note names out loud. It’s really important you know what you play (note name, grip, sound). Play more complicated pieces and keep aware of the note names. Within two weeks it’s possible to get used to the cleff. After this the best way to get fluent in reading the viola cleff is to join an orchestra and gain experience!

Don’t pretend to read in the third position on the violin, because you’ll get confused when there are a lot of sharps and flats. 

Click here to read about my exercises about learning to read in a different cleff.

Yeah, I walk my viola talk!

I made an arrangement of Saint-Saëns ‘the Swan’ and recorded it playing on a viola while I just picked up the viola for a couple of days. Listen to the recording and download the free sheet music here!

 

Are you ready to pick up the viola? 

Let me know your experiences in the comments below. I always love reading your musical journeys!

Different Types of Violins

What kind of violin is the best choice for you?

In this article I describe the different types of violins and related instruments

Predessecors of the violin

The violin is developed from 15th and 16th century bowed instruments like the vielle, rebec and lira da braccio. If you want to read more about the history of the violin, click here to read my article.

Baroque violin

baroque violin historyThe violin like it was played from the 16th to the 18th century, is called the baroque violin. Famous makers were Amati, Stradivarius and Guarneri. Their instruments are still played today and sold for millions. When such an old instrument is played on in a concert, most of the times it’s changed into a ‘modern’ violin. Click here to read my article about the history of the violin, in which I explain all about the differences between the baroque violin and the ‘modern’ violin we play on today.

Violin family

The ‘violin family’ we see today in orchestra’s consists of the violin, viola and cello. In folk music, we also see the Hardanger fiddle and the Swedish Nyckelharpa.

Zlata bowing exercise on violin - red dressViolin

The violin is the smallest instrument with the highest pitch. The strings are tuned G, D A, and E. This is the most popular instrument of the violin family. It’s used in various music styles.

First and second violin

Some people think the first and second violin in an orchestra are different. The instrument however is the same. The difference is that they play a different part. Usually the first violins play higher and have more melodies. The second violins play a bit lower and have a ‘middle’ part.

violaViola

The viola is played almost in the same way as the violin, but is larger and sounds a fifth lower. The viola, just as the second violin, plays the ‘middle voice’ in an orchestra. There are also solo concerts written for the viola and there are many composers fond of the deep and warm sound of this instrument.

The viola is a good instrument to start on as an adult beginner

If you like playing together, the viola is a good choice. In lots of music the scores are a bit easier, violists are scarce and in demand and you don’t have the trouble of a squaking E string. Of course, determine what instrument speaks to you most by listening to various music. Have you heard the Walton concerto?

cello cellistCello

The cello is a much larger instrument with a lower pitch: an octave lower than the viola. Because of the size it’s played upside down between the knees resting on it’s endpin.

You’ll see cello’s in every symphony orchestra. Besides that there are beautiful solo concerts and lots of chamber music. Have you heard the Elgar concerto?

Violone

The violin family also knows the violone (even larger and lower than the cello), but it’s a very rare instrument that is replaced by the double bass in symphony orchestra’s.

Double bass

The double bass is not really part of the violin family as it emerged from the older family of viola da gamba (instruments with sloping shoulders). Double basses are built in violin shape and gamba shape these days. They are part of a symphony orchestra, but also used in jazz music and various other styles.

So cool to read about all these different kinds of #violins! #violin #violinist #learnviolin Share on X

Electric violin

bridge Lyra purple electric violin 5 stringSince a couple of decades there are electric violins, just as there are electric guitar. Usually an electric violin doesn’t have a sound box. Because of that they can come in all shapes and forms. The sound is picked up by an element and amplified by an amplifier.

These instruments are popular in bands as they are easy to amplify.

The sound is a little similar to a violin, but of course more ‘eletronic’. With pedals and other electronics the sound can be changed.

Have you seen and heard Vanessa Mae playing?

5 String violin

Five string violins come with a lower C string in addition to the G, D, A and E string. In this way the instrument has the range of a violin and a viola. Most of the times these instruments are electric violins. If can be fun as you can play a bass line on the low C string, loop it and play a melody on the higher strings.

Silent violin

Some electric violins are called silent violins. These violins are not silent, because you’ll always hear the sound of the bow touching the strings. They sound a bit like a normal violin with a mute. The idea is that you can practice without bothering your neighbors. Silent violins usually have a good sound on ear plugs, but lots of times a bit less sound quality on an amplifier. When buying an electric or silent violin, make sure you know for what purpose you want to use it and test it in all situation (practicing at home, amplified and on stage).

FREE Violin Scale Book

Sensational Scales is a 85 page violin scale book that goes from simple beginner scales with finger charts all the way to all three octave scales and arpeggios

Download!

Hi! I'm Zlata

Classical violinist helping you overcome technical struggles and play with feeling by improving your bow technique.

READ MORE

Different sizes of violins

Children’s violin

children size violinChildren can start on the violin from a very early age. Some violinists even started at two years old! The average age to start with the violin is six to nine years old. This is suitable for most children. An earlier age depends on the character and concentration span of the child.

The be able to play in a comfortable and good way, it’s important to have the right size violin. This depends on the length of the arm, hand and fingers. There are size charts online and they can differ a bit. It’s best to visit a violin shop and have a professional (your teacher?) chose the right size. It can be very personal.

The 4/4 violin is the regular size for adults

Some adults find that they have to stretch too much, for example with their pinky. The solution to short arms and fingers or stiff joints, can be to go for a 7/8 size. It’s a tiny bit smaller, but it can be a lot more comfortable. The 7/8 is sometimes also called a ‘lady’s violin’. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it?

Usually children skip the 7/8 size and go straight from a 3/4 to a 4/4 sized violin.

Don’t think that a 1/4 violin is sized a quarter of a 4/4 violin. The difference between two sizes is about an inch.

Here’s a chart to give you an idea:

Age Size
3-4 years old 1/16
4-6 years old 1/8
5-7 years old 1/4
6-8 years old 1/2
7-10 years old 3/4
9-years to adults 7/8
10- years to adults 4/4

Viola’s and cello’s for children

Yup, kids can start right away on the viola or the cello! Cello’s are sizes with the same terms as the violin. The viola’s are sized in inches. An adult size is a sound box size of 15 or 16 inch. A 14 inch viola is as big as a 4/4 violin, a 13 inch viola is sized as a 3/4 violin etc. Sometimes violins are stringed as viola’s for children, but this doesn’t give the deep viola sound your kid might desire.

Now I’d love to hear from you!

What fact was most interesting to you? Leave a comment below. I’m looking forward reading them.

History of the Violin

How did the violin you have in your hands today evolve through the ages?

The violin is the most popular member of the violin family, that now exists out of the violin, viola and cello

The violin was first made in early 16th century Italy

Predecessors of the violin

rebec history violinThe violin was likely developed from 15th and 16th century bowed instruments, like the vielle, rebec and lira de braccio.
The rebec is a small pear shaped Medieval bowed instrument, that was replaced by the vielle and later the violin in the centuries after. The vielle looks a bit like the violin, but the sound box is shaped differently.

The shape of the violin origins from the lira da braccio, a bowed instrument that was played in the renaissance and mainly in Italy.

Other early types of violins are the viola d’amore, viola da braccio, viola da gamba and the violincello da spalla.

During the following centuries there were two families of bowed instruments

One type was more violin shaped and was called the lira da braccio family, which means a viol for the arm. The violin origins mainly from this family, but of course is influenced by all bowed instruments throughout the centuries.

viola da gambaThe other type was the viola da gamba, with sloping shoulders and held between the knees. The term means viol for the leg.

During the Renaissance the gambas were important and elegant instruments. There were gamba consorts with different sizes of gamba’s.

The gamba family eventually lost ground to the louder (and originally viewed as less aristocratic) lira da braccio family of the modern violin.

These days double basses are still produced in violin shape and gamba shape. Because of the larger soundbox, this shape is suitable for a double bass.

Emergence of the violin

The violin emerged around 1550 in the areas Brescia and Cremona in Italy. It’s unknown who built the very first violin. The first important violin maker family in Cremona was Amati. Later the famous violin maker Stradivarius lived and worked in the same area.

These days most violins are built after the design by Stradivarius. Some violins today are built after the design by Guarneri. 

The violins built by Stradivarius, Guarneri and Amati are still being played on by soloists and sell for millions. We will never know the secrets of these famous makers and artists.

Today Cremona is still the world wide center of violin makers. A lot of makers work there, there are schools for violin making and there is a violin museum. Every year the Mondomusica is organized: a market place for high quality bowed instruments.

From baroque violin to the modern violin

baroque violin historyThrought the centuries the violin is adjusted to the style of music and performance. In the 19th century the concert halls were bigger and the violin had to sound louder to fill the room.

The violin that was played from the 16th century to the 18th century is called the baroque violin. The violin that is played after that is called a modern violin. These definitions aren’t very strict as there were instruments that are in between these two types. Development went organically and not in one day.

Differences between the modern violin and the baroque violin:

  • The neck is longer and is placed in a different angle. 
  • The fingerboard is longer to allow playing in high positions and reach higher notes in the virtuosic music of the 19th century
  • The fingerboard is made out of ebony instead of maple to be able to cope with the higher string tension and the new angle of the neck
  • The bridge is higher and thinner to create a larger tone and compensate for the new angle of the neck
Wow, the #violin I play on has a rich century long #history! Share on X

FREE Violin Scale Book

Sensational Scales is a 85 page violin scale book that goes from simple beginner scales with finger charts all the way to all three octave scales and arpeggios

Download!

Hi! I'm Zlata

Classical violinist helping you overcome technical struggles and play with feeling by improving your bow technique.

READ MORE

Violin developments in the 20th century

Lots of violin players think they play on the same violin that was played in the 19th century. However there are certainly some developments in the last decades.

From gut strings to steel strings and synthetic core strings

In the 19th century and before violins were equiped with gut strings. Metal windings were too expensive until about 1900. By then electricity became the big thing and copper wire was mass produced for cables. This copper wire was then used for winding the lower (gut) strings to give them more punch.

At the same time the quality of steel improved to the point where thin wires could be made strong enough to be used as violin E-strings.

It was as late as the seventies when gut core strings were replaced by synthetic core strings with metal, silver, alumium or gold winding.

The new type of strings make a larger tone and have a better tuning stability. They are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Also they last longer.

Despite of these advantages there are still violin players who are charmed by the warm and rich sound of gut strings. Most gut strings played today are wound gut strings, with exception to historical performance practices.

Chinrest and shoulder rest

Now we have so many comfortable chinrests and shoulder rests to chose from, but until the fifties and sixties of the 20th century almost all violinists played without shoulder rest. Also chinrests have become larger to provide more support and height.

A combination of a good chinrest and shoulder rest can solve a lot of problems, but playing without shoulder rest gives you a lot of freedom of movement and practice in balance. 

Carbon fiber bows

In the last decades there was some very interesting development in the violin bow for the first time in almost two centuries! Read more about that in my article ‘History of the Violin Bow’.

What was the most surprising fact in this article to you? Leave a comment below!