Spiccato/Ricochet technique with German bow

[The Universe]

Hi,

I'm having difficulties in getting clear tone in scalar passages that require spiccato or ricochet bowings. I've recently switched to German bow from French due to some hand problems, and generally I like the feel and sound of playing German much more. I'm just not getting the clarity I'm used to in such passages.

Any suggestions?

Rob

 

[ekspain]

I second this question! I'm a french bow player who'd like to work on spciatto with the German bow.

 

[Davidruby]

My suggestions are just as good as anyone elses if they help. I guess that's the trick, isn't it. If my suggestions don't help, please move on. That said, here goes. First, in my mind spiccato and ricochet are different in definition, but have similar qualities that have more to do with the action than anything else. Second - and again this is my opinion, you get more bounce from the camber of the bow turning the stick of the bow at a 45 degree angle (towards you, not the bridge). Third, practice pulling short strokes FROM the string (as opposed to "hitting" the string to start bouncing) - and bow placement is everything here - this stroke is best just before the mid bow section from the frog. Pull the string with the bow going downbow and with lifting the bow slightly (not quite off the string) go up bow. This pulling of the string should be done with the smallest amount of bow - as though your plucking the string with the bow. Then immediately go upbow - again plucking the string with the bow going upbow and releasing then back down for downbow and repeating the excersise. Try your best to keep going up or downbow at the exact same point on the bow. It also helps to know excatly where your bow balances perfectly by trying to hold your bow up with one finger under the stick. Always try to maintain a 90 degree angle bow to string. The difference between German and French bow on spiccato is the use of the major and minor axis of the wrist. If your arms are longer, raising the elbow is not a big deal to achieve super pronation of the major axis of the wrist for the stroke. With a shorter arm (as I have), spiccato is easier achieved with German Bow. Trial and error, practice and perserverance is the only way to go. (P-factor) If you do not have a developed spiccato, do NOT expect this to be fast moving project. Some spend 6 to 8 months- sometimes more to perfect this stroke. Especially on lower strings.
I truly hope this helps start a dialogue of thought. And excsue my typos...

All the best - in the brotherhood of Bass,
David Ruby

 

[mkp]

I think the present problem is due to lack of practice. In fact I had the same problem when I switched from German bow to French. Everything was okay but clarity was not there Moreover I was not getting any sort of satisfaction. This really worried me. Finally I asked one of my friends who told me that I need to practice again and again. I did that and now I am happy. I would advise the author to practice more with the French bow.

 

[Davidruby]

Good day- just checking in- how is your spiccato doing -
David R