Cello 101: How (much) to tighten your bow

Comments · 13

• VI

  @viojoe11 · 2 years ago

  This answers so many questions for me!! None of my teachers have ever explained this to me like this. Thank you.

  5

• DO

  @DouglasJames.incarnated · 2 years ago

  I started playing cello 25 years ago, but only played periodically in all that time, I played maybe 3 - 4 years but I worked hard when I did, and now I am just  learning the 6th suite prelude and courante. I love it!!  I can always learn something from every player.

  2

• MU

  @MusicandMechs · 2 years ago

  Played viola years ago but always enjoyed the cello.  Purchased a Cecilio (I know) and found an issue with the bow.  Watched a prior video of yours explaining what I found out with cecilio.  Got the RIGHT bow and will hopefully sound better.  Thank you for having an amazing way of teaching us.  Take care and be safe

  2

• SU

  @superfurtz · 6 months ago

  I’m a violist, this is the best explanation I’ve heard so far. Every bow is different. I had a teacher who kept telling me my bow was too tight, but then wanted me to use more “weight” on the bow. Then I kept rubbing the wood on the string. Now I’ve gone back to tightening a little more. I’m going with your method. Also have a different teacher now.

• CA

  @cara.v.w · 1 year ago

  Hi! I&apos;m a cellist of many years and a teacher as well and I have a quick tip on this exact topic (in addition to the wonderful tips given in this video) -- if you find yourself tightening your bow to the point in which the stick is nearly completely parallel to the hair so that the stick doesn&apos;t touch the hair while you play, you might need to consider changing the amount of hair that is on the string by rotating your hand or moving it slightly outwards.<br><br>As Professor Norman Fischer (from Rice, Shepherd School of Music) instructed me, if you can see daylight through the bow, you should be good! Hope this helps.

  1

• BE

  @bettebeane536 · 1 year ago

  This is great information and demonstration! I just upgraded my cello bow and this is what I needed. Also didn&apos;t realize how humidity affects bow hair. As usually, Billy gives you more than most people do in his informational videos. Thanks!

• TE

  @terrigovers3176 · 1 year ago

  Fantastic teacher

  1

• TR

  @traceyschaufele · 2 years ago

  This is very helpful!

• 34

  @347Jimmy · 2 years ago

  My bow looks and acts like your second example 🤔 <br>Very helpful vid, I think I&apos;ve been slightly overtightening

• DA

  @DawnNicol-v1d · 1 year ago

  Really helpful thank you Billy

• KA

  @kathymoyer7796 · 2 years ago

  Thanks so much for your awesome videos! &nbsp;One question. &nbsp;I was a little unsure of which point you were making (my fault, not yours). &nbsp;When checking bow tightness, I think you were saying that when flexing your bow with your first finger, you DON&apos;T want the stick touching the bow hairs. &nbsp;Makes absolute sense, but I wasn&apos;t quite sure if that was your point. &nbsp;Again...my fault. &nbsp;Thanks!

  2

• UN

  @unacarezzaperlanima · 6 months ago

  Please, potresti inserire anche l&apos;audio in italiano🙏