Detache

Detache bowing is the basic stroke where notes are taken one per bow. The production of sound should be seamless between each note. There may sometimes be a slight separation from one note to the next, or articulation (accent) on each note. The bow stroke can be represented with a line which appears above or below each note, meaning tenuto, or fully sustained.

Legato

Legato bowing is the basic "smooth and connected" stroke. The bow change (from one bow to the next) should be done in a smooth motion so that there is no gap, or silence between them. The down-bow is naturally stronger in sound than the weaker up-bow, and you should attempt to balance them so that you can't hear the difference between them. Legato is often used when more than one note will be played within a single bow under a slur.

Martele

Martele bowing (meaning "hammered" in French) is represented by an arrowhead or a dot (depending on the composer) above or below the note. To create this forceful, abrupt sound, apply weight into the bow with the right arm and index finger, then simultaneously release the weight and move the bow across the string. Just as quickly, stop the bow and re-apply weight, keeping the bow on the string at all times. This can be practiced in all parts of the bow (frog, middle, point).

Staccato

Staccato is a short, stopped bow stroke. It is played on the string and is marked in music with dots above or below the notes. Like the martele bow stroke, this can be played in all parts of the bow, but is generally easiest to control in the lower to middle part.

Spiccato and Sautille

Sautille is a bounced stroke, indicated with dots, performed at quick tempos in the middle of the bow. The bow stays quite close to the string, yet bounces slightly off with each stroke. This is used for rapid passages where each note is bowed separately.

Spiccato is the same stroke, similarly marked, though usually a slightly slower more controlled stroke is used. To play spiccato, find the balance point on the bow (approx. 1/3 from the frog), and let the bow bounce in tempo with a natural, controlled stroke.

Loure (AKA, erroneously, "slurred staccato")

In this stroke, several notes are separated within a slur by a very slight pause in the bowing. This stroke is done without changing the direction of the bow.

Specialized bowing styles

Tremolo is a rapid reiteration of a single pitch. To play tremolo, repeat your bow stroke as quickly as possible, using little bow. It is most effective when the wrist is used to change bow direction, rather than the arm. Tremolo is easiest in the middle to upper part of the bow and can be played with various dynamics. Tremolo is usually notated with three slashes through the stem of the note(s).

Col legno (“with the wood”) is a unique sound created by striking the stick of the bow against the string. To play col legno, turn the bow upside down so that the wood part of the bow is facing down towards the strings. Strike the bow against the string in a bouncing up and down stroke.

Ricochet is accomplished by throwing the upper third of the bow (while drawing a down-bow) on the string and allowing it to bounce so that a rapid series of notes are produced. It is used most commonly for 3 to 4 notes, but can be used to play more than 10 notes in a single stroke.