- Down bow
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A Down bow is a technique of bowing played on bowed, string instruments. The player performs the indicated note by moving the bow down or from the frog towards the tip (away from the body). This technique is indicated by a symbol resembling a small bracket over the note.[1]
Contents
The Instruments
The four main stringed instruments use the following techniques apply the Down bow:
Instrument How the player achieves the Down bow Violin The player pulls the bow down, away from their left shoulder Viola The player pulls the bow down, away from their left shoulder Cello The player pulls the bow to the right, away from their left elbow Double Bass The player pulls the bow to the right, away from their left elbow Uses
The Down bow is usually used to represent the down beat (stronger beat) of the bar. This happens because the frog (lower end) of the bow is heavier. The force of gravity acting upon the bow allows the player to have more strength in the stroke.
See also
- Up bow
References
Categories:- String performance techniques
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