Violin bowing techniques

Like every instrument, the violin is played using a range of specific techniques.

Bowing techniques play a central role in violin playing. Used on the violin and other bowed string instruments, they strongly influence the feeling and expression of a piece. Here are some examples.

Legato technique

Meaning “connected”, legato asks for notes to follow one another smoothly without interruption.

Détaché technique

Unlike legato, détaché separates successive notes by changing bow direction for each one.

Portato technique

Portato gently separates several notes within a single bow stroke.

Martelé technique

Each note begins with a clear, sharp accent, followed by a smooth tone. A brief pause separates successive notes.

Staccato technique

Here, short, clearly separated notes are played within a single bow stroke, without lifting the bow off the strings.

Pizzicato technique

This technique produces the sound by plucking the string with a finger instead of using the bow.

Collé technique

In this technique, the bow is placed gently onto the string from above and grips it at contact. After the sound is produced, the bow is lifted lightly and prepared for the next note.

Spiccato technique

Spiccato is an Italian term associated with a light, bouncing bow stroke. The article relates it to the verb “spiccare”. Alongside détaché, legato and martelé, it is an important bowing technique. The bow briefly drops onto and leaves the string, generally using the area between its midpoint and balance point.

Ricochet technique

This technique relies on the bow's rebound. Several notes can be played in one down-bow or up-bow, with the initial impulse given as the bow is dropped onto the string for the first note. After that, the bow is allowed to bounce naturally.

Minanur Balcan
Rekor Sanat – Violin Teacher