Hi guys. I just wanted to know if anyone could offer me any tips for relaxing my bow arm. In particular, my right shoulder tends to tighten when I play really fast passages. It's kind of strange because it doesn't happen too often in thumb position, but it happens all the time when I play fast passages in the low ranges. Mozart 40 is killer on my shoulder. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.
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Double Bass Tips for Relaxing my Bow Arm?
- Thread starter AdmiralScreed
- Start date
I think relaxation is like any other aspect of playing; you have to practice it. Take some of those Mozart passages and practice them at a tempo at which your shoulder can be totally relaxed. Gradually bump up the tempo, and whenever you get to the point where it's tensing up, stop, shake it out, and go back a notch. Eventually you train your body to do it.
I've also found that posture is crucial. I stand when I play, and I find that I start to lean over the bass during fast passages, even when they're in lower registers. This effectively shortens my arm length, causing me to bend my elbow and hunch my shoulder. If I remind my self to stand up straight, the arm/shoulder seem to naturally relax.
Also, remember to BREATHE!
I've also found that posture is crucial. I stand when I play, and I find that I start to lean over the bass during fast passages, even when they're in lower registers. This effectively shortens my arm length, causing me to bend my elbow and hunch my shoulder. If I remind my self to stand up straight, the arm/shoulder seem to naturally relax.
Also, remember to BREATHE!
Thanks for the advice. I'll try that the next time I practice any fast passages (I'm looking at you Mozart 40 
).
Hahaha. That's another one of my problems. I breathe, but it comes out of my mouth in big slurping sounds. Have any solutions to this problem?
).Hahaha. That's another one of my problems. I breathe, but it comes out of my mouth in big slurping sounds. Have any solutions to this problem?
You don't say which bow you use. This would help us advise you. I am a Frenchie and can offer more about that. As a general principle try to play fast passages close to where the bow balances, or at least in the "comfort zone" (from the middle of the bow in towards about 7.5cm (3") from the frog. Another is to reduce the bow stroke length until you feel the hair bite at the beginning of each note. This means that the bow strokes become proportionately shorter as the notes get faster and the arm movements contract towards your lower arm, wrist and fingers. With the French bow these smaller fast movements are perhaps best initiated by alternately twitching the biceps and triceps muscles that pump your elbow and allowing relaxed wrist and bow hold to amplify the twitch into a bow stroke. This then calls into question the way you set up your bow hold.
As notes get faster the upper arm should remain relaxed, acting as a shock absorber for the lower arm wrist and bow movements (with French bow). Bowing only "from the shoulder" and/or the wrist without involvement of the elbow is a recipe for stiffness IMO.
Let us know which bow you use. please.
DP
As notes get faster the upper arm should remain relaxed, acting as a shock absorber for the lower arm wrist and bow movements (with French bow). Bowing only "from the shoulder" and/or the wrist without involvement of the elbow is a recipe for stiffness IMO.
Let us know which bow you use. please.
DP
I am indeed a French player, so your suggestions apply to me.
Another thing I am noticing just as I am sitting here typing is that my right shoulder is very stiff, even though I am not playing. I am right handed, so maybe this has something to do with this, but it's still a little concerning.
Another thing I am noticing just as I am sitting here typing is that my right shoulder is very stiff, even though I am not playing. I am right handed, so maybe this has something to do with this, but it's still a little concerning.
Next question. Where is your shoulder stiff? I recall that the shoulder cap has three muscle groups, the Deltoids, operating at the front, side and rear. The Trapezius runs up to the base of the neck. Then there are muscles across the back of the shoulder over the shoulder blade and the Pectorals at the front. Please correct me if I am wrong, anyone!!
Fastest playing is generally "on the string'. There should be no "crane" muscles holding the bow away from resting on the string to gently bend the bow hair over it. The bow arm will flex and travel freely in the same direction as the bow points if the bow hold is turned in a few degrees on the stick (by rotating the elbow up and out slightly). Not turning the bow hold in or turning in too far will cause you to bow stiffly "from the shoulder". To summarize so far, the relaxed weight of your arm powers the sound and should not interfere with the freedom to draw the bow sideways.
My ideal bow arm movement can be shown by standing in front of a kitchen bench or table and simulating bowing while turning your hand in a few degrees and dragging your fingertips along the straight edge. This demonstrates the sequence and blend of upper arm, lower arm, wrist and finger movements needed to draw the bow in a straight line at 90 degrees to the string with freedom and relaxation, and with an artistic looking flow and change of direction.
Apart from examining your bowing technique you should also consider stretches to reduce and avoid the stiffness. There are some simple stretches using a door frame or your other arm. If you want I can describe these in another post. There is also massage and/or sports-type mentholated ointment to consider.
A good teacher will be able to help you or point you in the right direction for more specific aid. You may need to have your posture analyzed by a physiotherapist or Alexander Technique person. Avoid being round shouldered. Stretching down with the bow arm can gradually rotate the shoulder joint forward and over, reducing the space needed for the cartilage and joint to work properly. This can also lead later to a trapped nerve and a lot of pain.
DP
Fastest playing is generally "on the string'. There should be no "crane" muscles holding the bow away from resting on the string to gently bend the bow hair over it. The bow arm will flex and travel freely in the same direction as the bow points if the bow hold is turned in a few degrees on the stick (by rotating the elbow up and out slightly). Not turning the bow hold in or turning in too far will cause you to bow stiffly "from the shoulder". To summarize so far, the relaxed weight of your arm powers the sound and should not interfere with the freedom to draw the bow sideways.
My ideal bow arm movement can be shown by standing in front of a kitchen bench or table and simulating bowing while turning your hand in a few degrees and dragging your fingertips along the straight edge. This demonstrates the sequence and blend of upper arm, lower arm, wrist and finger movements needed to draw the bow in a straight line at 90 degrees to the string with freedom and relaxation, and with an artistic looking flow and change of direction.
Apart from examining your bowing technique you should also consider stretches to reduce and avoid the stiffness. There are some simple stretches using a door frame or your other arm. If you want I can describe these in another post. There is also massage and/or sports-type mentholated ointment to consider.
A good teacher will be able to help you or point you in the right direction for more specific aid. You may need to have your posture analyzed by a physiotherapist or Alexander Technique person. Avoid being round shouldered. Stretching down with the bow arm can gradually rotate the shoulder joint forward and over, reducing the space needed for the cartilage and joint to work properly. This can also lead later to a trapped nerve and a lot of pain.
DP
I believe the deltoids are the muscles that are bothering me most, and more specifically they are on the side of my shoulder facing out next to me.
Could you give me some suggestions for stretches? I'm willing to do anything if it will loosen my right shoulder.
Could you give me some suggestions for stretches? I'm willing to do anything if it will loosen my right shoulder.
Here are three to begin with. I have more on file but will have to find the file!!
(1) Stand in a doorway. Raise your arm sideways until level with your shoulder and make your forearm vertical with palm forward. Hook your forearm behind the door frame and turn your body away so that your pectoral and front of shoulder are held in a stretch for about 15 -20 seconds.
(2) Again raise your arm in a similar fashion but swing it forward and across the front of your body, then add pull to your elbow with your other hand so that the back of your shoulder gets a 15 - 20 second stretch.
(3) Go back to the doorway. Hang your straight arm at a lower angle by your side and rotate it so that the flat palm faces forward. Again hook your hand behind the door frame and turn your body away from it. This will stretch your biceps and the nerve that runs down your arm, as well as your shoulder.
Do each of these several times before and after playing, taking care not to injure yourself with too much force. There are some others and perhaps some exercise suggestions but I would like to refresh my memory before I add them to the above ASAP.
DP
(1) Stand in a doorway. Raise your arm sideways until level with your shoulder and make your forearm vertical with palm forward. Hook your forearm behind the door frame and turn your body away so that your pectoral and front of shoulder are held in a stretch for about 15 -20 seconds.
(2) Again raise your arm in a similar fashion but swing it forward and across the front of your body, then add pull to your elbow with your other hand so that the back of your shoulder gets a 15 - 20 second stretch.
(3) Go back to the doorway. Hang your straight arm at a lower angle by your side and rotate it so that the flat palm faces forward. Again hook your hand behind the door frame and turn your body away from it. This will stretch your biceps and the nerve that runs down your arm, as well as your shoulder.
Do each of these several times before and after playing, taking care not to injure yourself with too much force. There are some others and perhaps some exercise suggestions but I would like to refresh my memory before I add them to the above ASAP.
DP
