French bow hold

[stingrayPete1977]

Following on from the bass bash ive found some pictures, this is Jake Newman's hand holding my Yita bow on my Gedo bass.

[URL=http://s997.photobucket.com/user/stingraypete/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/20150215_140122_zpsjlgzpvqk.jpg.html][IMG]http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af100/stingraypete/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/20150215_140122_zpsjlgzpvqk.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[stingrayPete1977]

My own hand over view
[URL=http://s997.photobucket.com/user/stingraypete/media/IMG_0697_zpsf39ouxtz.jpg.html][IMG]http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af100/stingraypete/IMG_0697_zpsf39ouxtz.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

I haven't got small hands so Jake must have really long fingers, I suppose that's why there can't be a strict rule as such.

Edited October 6, 2016 by stingrayPete1977

[stingrayPete1977]

Thumb just touching 'the silver' of the frog, index finger on the leather bit, fore finger opposite the thumb loosely placed over the frog.
[URL=http://s997.photobucket.com/user/stingraypete/media/IMG_0698_zpsmsyy6kqx.jpg.html][IMG]http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af100/stingraypete/IMG_0698_zpsmsyy6kqx.jpg[/IMG][/URL]


Any corrections, tips, pictures more than welcome.


I've got my Rufus Reid book back out along with the metronome and a mirror

Edited October 6, 2016 by stingrayPete1977

[neilp]

I'd say your thumb is too straight, and the tip of the thumb is all you need in contact with the bow stick, and thumb shouldn't be in contact with the ferrule, but there's room for variation, and if it works it works. You should aim to have your hand as close as possible to it's relaxed resting shape and use the absolute minimum of force to hold the bow

[hubrad]

Also generally I'd aim to have your fingertips on the French bow, rather than the half-grip pictured. More flexibility.
I was told in early days to put the bow on a flat surface, relax my hand and pick up the bow. The hold kinda dictates itself. The more finger joints you have free before the bow, the more flexibility hence the more fine control.
However, looking around images of the same, most people seem to do the half-grip, which is definitely easier.
I actually went to the dark side and now use a German grip bow, with which you get more power but far less flexibility. Seems to work for Gary Karr! ;-)

[stingrayPete1977]

Thanks guys I'll have a play around with those suggestions.

[neilp]

Lots of very fine players use German bow, it just doesn't work for me. Relaxation is the key however you hold the bow. Variations are huge, but as long as you can keep the bow perpendicular to the strings and the hair flat on the string with control and no tension in your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder, it'll be fine!!! Not much to achieve then.....

[DanOwens]

I've struggled with bow grip ever since I started DB 20 years ago. I mainly play pizz but when I have the bow my hands quickly feel fatigued and I start to slip into really awful grip with the frog in my palm. I have considered switching to German for a long time to try and get a hand position that's closer to my 'natural' grip.

[neilp]

Horses for courses, of course, but I find a "correct" French or Italian bow hold is much more natural than a "correct" German bowhold. It might be worth seeking out a lesson or two with a good classical teacher who can show you the True Path, whether with a French or a German accent!