String Tension Exercise

In this exercise, feel the qualities and tensions of the string while moving the bow towards and away from the bridge. This is one of the most sensuous of all the exercises, perhaps because all three factors of speed, pressure, and distance from the bridge all change so much at the same time.

There's a lovely feeling of breathing in this exercise, a feeling of build-up and release:

• Build-up: As you slow into the tension of the string near the bridge, your in-breath slows at the top of your lungs.
• Release: As you move away from the bridge or breathe out.

Stage One

1. Movement: Move once to the bridge, beginning near the fingerboard.
2. Bow Speed: The bow needs to be faster and lighter near the fingerboard, and slower and heavier near the bridge.
   • Speed Pattern: Fast, slow, fast.
   • Pressure Pattern: Light, heavy, light.
3. Bow Division: Very important!
   • Ensure you reach the bridge around the middle of the bow.

Tip: Avoid moving in and out of the bridge twice.

Stage Two

• Starting Point: Begin a little nearer the bridge, around sound point 4.
• Bow Division: Be even more careful.
  • Use a quarter of the bow to reach the bridge.
  • Drift back to sound point 4 by the middle of the bow.
  • Repeat the same in the second half.
• Progression: Continue beginning each stage nearer the bridge until you end up using only sound points 1.5 to 1.

Important Observations

• The bow wants to be faster.
• Hold on to the bow here - it should be much slower, light at times, and heavy at others.

Questions for Self-Assessment:

• What's the speed pattern of the bow?
  • Answer: Fast, slow, fast.
• What's the pressure pattern?
  • Answer: Light, heavy, light.

Corrections

• If the movements look very even, slow down in the bridge.
• Ensure to vary between light and fast, slow and heavy.

Helpful Instructions:

• Stay aware of the bow's angle. If it's tilting, adjust to a straighter position.
• Keep practicing slow movements and ensure to steer correctly.

Advanced Practice

1. Two in One Bow:

   • Start a little near the bridge.
   • Keep concentrating on bow division and maintaining the correct speed and pressure patterns.

2. Three in One Bow:

   • Continue revising angles and positions.

3. Four Saves:

   • Start near the bridge each time, maintaining the angle.
   • Steer back to the fingerboard, focusing on heavy steering.

Key Takeaway

Whenever something feels very good, aim to elevate your practice level.

1. Technique Refinement:

   • Aim for total purity and heavy steer returning back to the fingerboard.
   • Ensure to be sensitive to the sound and pressure applied to the strings.

2. Twice in One Bow:

   • Start nearer the bridge and ensure you're not too angled.

Final Thoughts:

• You're practicing the necessary control to move efficiently.
• Remember to save your energy as you would your money; maintain a reserve for when you really need it.

Keep practicing and adjusting as needed, great job on the progress, everyone!