Double Bass Bow control

[Terry Keach]

Having a problem with screeching in thumb position, tried using more rosin/less rosin. Sometimes happens, sometimes not, any tips?

 

[wathaet]

Having a problem with screeching in thumb position, tried using more rosin/less rosin. Sometimes happens, sometimes not, any tips?

Good left hand shape and distinct fingerboard contact. Straight bow, good coordination L/R hand, even speed and weight/contact. Get a good classically trained teacher

 

[Les Fret]

Best advise ever... find a really great teacher and do everything they say for 6 months... if after 6 months it's still not happening... time to find the next teacher.

Don’t blame the teacher. Six months is a short time for learning an instrument.

I think the problem has to do with the contact point of the bow. Had the same problem in the beginning. Moving the bow progressively more towards the bridge when you go in TP is the key.

 

[Don Kasper]

I think the problem has to do with the contact point of the bow. Had the same problem in the beginning. Moving the bow progressively more towards the bridge when you go in TP is the key.

Yes.
This.
Thanks, Les Fret - you stole my Thunder.

 

[Jmilitsc]

I think the problem has to do with the contact point of the bow. Had the same problem in the beginning. Moving the bow progressively more towards the bridge when you go in TP is the key.

Recently did a 2 hr lesson solely on thumb position - worked on exactly that point quite a bit, as well as left hand shapes (ring finger is tricky).

Two other points came up with my lack of technique - you also want to pull the bow faster as it moves toward the bridge when playing the high notes as putting more weight adds to the screech.

The second thing I needed correcting on was making sure my right elbow (not shoulder) was extended out enough - the inside notch of the elbow joint should never face forward, always more in line with the bow itself. It’s obvious but someone watching and correcting you is really valuable.

The bass resonance will tell you when you get it right.

This will take me a lot of practice.

 

[Neil Pye]

Spend some time finding out about bow weight/speed/contact point in thumb position. Long tones and vary weight and speed for several positions of contact. Near the bridge you will find that you can move the bow slower with more weight and get a lovely clear, focussed, singing tone. Be brave, get the bow right down near the bridge (within an inch) and find out how to make it work. It will also show you when you're tense!