The Basics of Cello Technique (continued)

Right Hand and Arm

Bow technique is in many ways more important to master than left hand technique, though it is all too often neglected. The bow literally makes the sound. It is also physiologically much more complex. The right arm and hand are always moving, and every aspect of that movement matters; and all the physical relationships vary with each of the four strings.

Let's begin by learning how to hold a pencil. Make sure you have a full-length pencil (that hasn't been sharpened too many times yet). Hold the pencil in your right hand in such a way so that it runs in the groove made by the first knuckle joint in each finger, except the pinkie. (The pencil may touch the pinkie slightly above the first joint, closer to the end of your finger.) Spread your fingers out slightly, so that there is at least half a finger's width of space between each finger on the pencil.

Now place your thumb on the pencil opposite the fingers. Find a relaxed position roughly in the middle of the pencil for your thumb. Likely, it will rest opposite your middle finger, or slightly behind, in the direction of your ring finger.

Gently holding the pencil this way, raise your right upper arm about 45 degrees away from the body so your elbow moves up and out (in the same plane as your body). Keeping your upper arm in that position, rotate your arm so that your lower arm and hand are parallel to the ground and at a right angle to your upper arm. The palm of your hand should face the ground.

A pencil, of course, is very lightweight. You should hold it very lightly, with no force or tension. Note that the fingers, palm and thumb form a modified C-shape, symmetrical with the C-shape of your left hand. The fingers are gently curved, and the thumb is only very slightly bent at its middle joint. Though a cello bow is somewhat heavier, and the weight is distributed quite differently, this is precisely how you should hold your bow in its neutral position--that is, at the point where your lower arm is at a right angle to your upper arm.