Dynamics (the relative loudness or softness of music) and Tone (the quality of the sound) are both results of right hand bow technique. Both are affected by basic bow technique, as well as three variables: bow placement, bow pressure, and bow speed.

Basic bow technique

1. Bow grip. The tip of the thumb should be placed against the stick of the bow next to the frog with the thumb curving outward. The fingers should hang down around the stick of the bow, gripping with the knuckle, not the fingertip. On violin and viola, the pinky should be curved and rest atop the bow stick.

2. Bow stroke. The bow stroke should run parallel to the bridge. In long bow strokes, use full bows, using the wrist to keep the bow straight and change bows smoothly.

3. Bow tilt. As strange as it may seem, the fullest, most beautiful sound is not created by putting the most bow hair on the string at once. Flat bow hair is not the ideal. The stick of the bow should be tilted slightly towards the scroll of the instrument when you play, except under special circumstances.

Bow placement

The placement of the bow on the string dictates both tone and dynamic. Playing closer to the bridge will create a bigger, louder sound (see basic bow technique for straight bow stroke and flat hair). Likewise, playing further from the bridge (closer to the fingerboard) will create a lighter, softer sound. Bow placement should be used in tandem with appropriate pressure and speed.

Bow pressure

Bow pressure, used in collaboration with bow placement, controls tone and dynamic. More pressure should be used when playing close to the bridge, creating a bigger tone and louder dynamic. Less pressure should be applied when playing further from the bridge for softer passages.

Bow speed

The speed of the bow across the strings also helps tone and dynamic. Generally speaking, greater bow speed should be used with more pressure closer to the bridge, and less bow speed with less pressure further from the bridge. There are exceptions, however. Flautando, a bowing style for a softer dynamic, is played over the fingerboard with little pressure, but a lot of bow speed. This creates a flute-like soft dynamic effect.

Right hand bow technique is a very important element of string playing that is often ignored. Right hand technique is as important as left hand technique and should receive equal attention. Spend some time in your practice sessions focusing solely on your bow technique. A quality bow can also make a tremendous difference in one's playing. Go take a few hand-made wooden bows for a test drive.