Violin Basics: Setting the Bow Hand

In this video I show how to properly set the bow hand for the violin. The style of bow hand I teach is the Franco Belgian style. I provide instruction for parents to set their child's bow hand, and for older students to set it for themselves.

It is important to keep the bow vertical for absolute beginners. If the bow is leaning at an angle, the forces acting on the hand will lead to habits of tension. It is also important to not touch the bow hair, as the natural oils from your fingers will rub off on the hair and affect the sound.

We want to use the minimum amount of effort and strength necessary to keep the bow in our hand. So stay relaxed all fingers should be curved, and the hand should be round. This is why I try to avoid calling it the bow hold or the bow grip, as these words bring to mind the idea of tension.