"Crunchy" noise while using the bow
Try putting less weight/pressure on the bow.
Try using more bow.
"Wispy" noise while using the bow
Trying putting more weight/pressure on the bow.
Try using a little less bow.
Make sure your bow is straight (i.e. parallel to the bridge and fingerboard)
Make sure your left hand fingertips are pushing the string all the way down to the fingerboard.
"Screechy" noise while using the bow
Make sure the bow is "in its lane" (i.e. between the bridge and the fingerboard)
Try putting less weight/pressure on the bow.
Make sure your left hand fingertips are pushing the string all the way down to the fingerboard.
Bow is hitting more than one string at a time
Lift or lower the right elbow to change the angle of the bow relative to the strings
Make sure the bow is "in its lane" (i.e. between the bridge and the fingerboard)
Bow is on the wrong string
Lift or lower the right elbow to change the angle of the bow relative to the strings
Bow is crooked while playing
Make sure the student is "straightening and bending" at the elbow, rather than moving their shoulder, to move the bow across the strings.
Check the bow hold. Improper bow holds can cause the bow to be crooked while playing.
Try bowing on an open string in front of a mirror - even the bathroom mirror works great! This way, students can watch their bow move and make any adjustments to keep it straight on their own.
Instrument is not making sound while using the bow
Rosin the bow thoroughly.Â
Sometimes instruments come with brand new bows that have never been rosined before. You need to apply rosin to the bow to help the hair grip the string and make sound.
Make sure the hair is tight. You can turn the screw "righty-tighty" to tighten the hair.
Trying putting more weight/pressure on the bow.
Try using more bow.
Bow hair is too loose
Turn the screw "righty-tighty" to tighten the hair.
Bow hair is too tight (and the stick is straight, rather than bent)
Turn the screw "lefty-loosey" to loosen the bow.