Developing a comfortable cello bow grip, focusing on the thumb
Is your thumb uncomfortable or locked up when you grip the bow? Here’s an exercise for finding a comfortable, natural bow grip.
The role of the thumb in the bow grip can be difficult for someone new to playing the cello.
When I started playing it seemed like the only way I could hold the bow securely was by locking it into a rigid position pressing into the corner of where the frog meets the stick of the bow.
Consequently, the other fingers of my bow hand would become rigid to equalize the force coming from my thumb, and soon my hand would become fatigued.
Developing your understanding of the thumb and how to hold the bow securely with a thumb that is still flexible will open up doors in your playing.
