Getting Ready to Play
Rosin the bow
2-3 times per week is usually enough
Tighten the bow
Turn the screw "righty-tighty"
When the stick has a slight downward bend, but the hair is tight, the bow is ready to use. ("The stick is a valley, the hair is straight")
You will be able to feel when the bow is starting to take on too much tension. If the screw is getting difficult to turn, that's a good cue to stop turning it.
Check your bow hold
Beginners - use your Bow License for reference and practice on a pencil if you need a refresher!
Everyone - make sure your thumb is bent and pinky is curved
Playing
Keep the bow between the bridge and the fingerboard
"Stay in your lane" - The bridge and fingerboard are like lines on the road. The bow is your car. Keep your "car" within the lines.
While playing, keep the bow moving parallel to the bridge
Straighten and bend your elbow.
Visit the "Troubleshooting" page on this website if you don't like the way your bow sounds!
When You Are Done Playing
Loosen the bow!!!
Turn the screw "lefty-loosey" to loosen the bow and release tension on the stick and hair
In most cases, the stick will have more of a bend than before, and the hair will be ever-so-slightly loose.
Gently wipe the strings, the instrument, and the stick of the bow with a cleaning cloth.
A cleaning cloth can be any soft, clean piece of fabric. It should live in the instrument case.
This prevents build-up from rosin dust.
Do not put any liquids on the strings or the instrument when you wipe it down.
Wash or replace your cleaning cloth periodically.