The energy of the string has an outlet at the bridge. Watch the bridge drink the string motion (audio in). Feel the instrument’s resonance as you play (audio out). The invisible motion of the bridge becomes the sound of the instrument.
Category Archives: Basic Nine
8. Brightness
Experiment with the distance of the bow from the bridge. Create softness and distance over the fingerboard; create brightness and proximity near the bridge. Make the greatest possible differences in timbre and dynamics. Find the borders of string and instrument.
7. Lightness
Play a scale or arpeggio, placing your fingers on the strings as lightly as possible. Use again the image of the breaking wave: think of the curl at its forward edge. Imagine that your left hand must simply point to the string rather than press it.
6. Energy Circuit
Play a scale or arpeggio. Use the energy of motion in the string to connect the left and right hands. Between your hands you hold the energy that becomes the sound.
5. Velocity and Dynamic
Play a scale or arpeggio. As you play, change bow speeds from very slow to very fast. Create large changes in the size (amplitude) of the visible vibration of the string and listen for the changes in dynamic.
4. Hand and Wave
Play a scale or arpeggio. Imagine your left hand is a breaking wave. Allow energy to flow up the arm and out from the fingers. Roll forward to upcoming sounds.
3. Energy to Pitch
Play a scale slowly, combining two exercieses: Think clearly of each pitch before playing. After the string length is set, pour energy smoothly into it with the bow.
2. Energy Transfer
Play a scale slowly. Watch the energy of the bow create a parallel (sideways) vibration in the string. Keep bow pressure fairly light. A taut string contains energy: release it.
1. String Lengths
Play a scale slowly. Before you play each pitch, hear it strongly. Think of string length rather than finger placement as the source of intonation. Watch the string move as you play.