Random Question

[celticartzyangel]

Hey guys, I just have this really random question, I noticed that Mairead doesn't hold the bow near the frog, as I was taught. Is this becuase it's a longer violin than normal, or did she develop it to suit her style?

[Celtic Fiddle Chick]

Many fiddlers hold their bow this way, I do too sometimes. I can't speak for others that do this but for me, it is easier to play fast tunes and if your bow is a bit heavy, it can help get some more control over the bow movement.

[celticartzyangel]

Ah... thankyou so much! 

[Godshorsegirl]

Yup, same answer as CFC. I think it is easier to play fast songs when holding it like that (if you have a classical violin teacher dont let them find you holding it like that!! i learned that the hard way!! lol my fiddle teacher does not care though)

[Fiddle_Addict]

I agree with what was said above, with the extension that also for some classical bits I play I hold my bow just a bit higher up than I was originally taught.

How high up you hold your bow really seems to be a question of personal taste rather than a foolproof-technique to enhance your fiddle playing, for example I've seen fiddlers holding the bow at the frog and, on one occasion, even somewhat lower than 'usual' (or than I was taught, anyway).
I also don't grip mine quite as high as, for example, Máiréad, simply because I find it uncomfortable for me.

Fun fact: My violin teacher (classical through and through, although she likes to listen to fiddling) was ever so slightly appalled when I first turned up for the first lesson back after the summer break, having gotten used to my 'new' bow hold. It took her about half a year until she gave up trying to get me back to do it the 'normal' way and just let me play the way I felt comfortable. But she still does occasionally smile about it.

[Swift]

The length of your arm can also be a factor. My freakishly long arms mean that, even when I use the Suzuki hold at the frog, I still have a tendency to play towards the point. It's something I could never really get past - my bowing's very laboured.

[apollomoon]

being a guitarist.. what's the frog?

[Swift]

It's the chunky bit of the bow to which the hair is attached, at the end nearest your right hand. The frog's position can be adjusted to change the tension of the hair.

[apollomoon]

Thanks Swift.. i get it .. i did wonder about the bow tension. i kinda figures it could be adjusted. is it for particular styles or just set to a personal preference and left that way... it is, i think the most like the human voice of all instruments

[Celtic Fiddle Chick]

It mostly depends on personal preference however it does affect the sound a bit. One of my friends likes to play with it really tight, while her sister likes to play with it really loose. When the bow hair is tight, the bow tends to bounce more on the strings which can cause more mistakes if you are not careful.

And with the Incredibow, it is pre-tensioned so you do not need to loosen or tighten the bow, which is nice.

[celtic_fiddler]

I have to disagree.  But only because I personally find it impossible to play fast or slow if I hold the bow this way. It has nothing to do with which way is better, only with the way I was taught. You can teach some old dogs new tricks, but I'm pretty set in my ways.    This is a matter of personal preference and I think also has to do with the length of Mairead's arm. She is playing on a slightly larger violin and probably finds it more comfortable and practical to achieve certain techniques by holding her bow the way she does. Mind you, I do NOT play fiddle. I play classical and contemporary pieces that do not involve fiddle technique. But I have seen some excellent fiddler's who hold their bow the same as me so I know it can be done. Just think of it as Mairead's personal style. You don't need a perfect classical bow hold to play either style. It just comes down to what works best for you. So experiment and have fun! 

[celticartzyangel]

I've tried playing in Mairead's bowhold, and I WILL say that it works better for me for whatever reason, I just feel like I have more control! But my violin teacher hates it!