Benefits of a straight bow arm


National Symphony Principal Bass Robert Oppelt recently put out an analysis of bow arm angles on his excellent website, which can be found at robertoppelt.com.

Robert advocates keeping a fairly straight bow arm when playing the bass, both for French and German bow. He provides great examples of how a straight arm can more efficiently transmit weight and power, and he includes many photos featuring both the French and German bow holds.

If you haven’t visited Robert’s site before, I highly recommend checking it out. He’s got great articles, interviews with other bassists, and stories about his experiences in then music world. Check it out!

Link: robertoppelt.com/page14

October 1, 2008 · Filed Under bass, technique

Comments

10 Responses to “Benefits of a straight bow arm”

  1. 3_string_bass on October 1st, 2008 8:49 am

    as opposed to a gay bow arm?

  2. Dr.bass on October 1st, 2008 3:24 pm

    So, now if some one get pain from playing we know why!!

  3. Ashly on October 1st, 2008 3:26 pm

    Playing with POWER???

  4. Jimiya on October 1st, 2008 3:35 pm

    I would like to know how Guy Tuneh holds the Bow?
    and his opinion about this kind of bow technic.

    Thanks J.

  5. loisa on October 1st, 2008 3:48 pm

    Jimiya,
    Maestro GUY TUNEH is playing the German Bow and he has his won way of holding the bow. after his last concert in Prag (in the
    Parlament) i had the chance to speak with him face to face about his Amazing Way of playing the only thing that i could understand is that the Person is an outstanding walking talent.
    his playing is more about to use the budy with as much as possible nature motions.
    but still i didnet understand everything.
    hope thatr next time i’ll get more…

  6. camila on October 1st, 2008 3:56 pm

    Jimiya and Loisa:
    GUY TUNEH is playing the German and the French bow! (saw him in concert of an Old music with BAROCK Bow in Monaco)
    Why he playes German bow in his Solo concerts?
    Ask him!
    Great Post Jason, very intresting, i will try it!

  7. py on October 2nd, 2008 6:15 am

    I like this. Thanks. By the way, I came by to share good luck with you. :)

  8. Mischa on October 2nd, 2008 8:47 am

    Mr. “py”
    R U Guy Tuneh?

  9. Mariana on October 5th, 2008 10:36 am

    Please post more from Guy Tuneh, about his great technic
    thank you.

  10. Sandra R on September 9th, 2009 11:40 am

    Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R.

Leave a Reply




  • Guarneri House
    The American String Project Amazon link for Road Warrior

  • DoubleBassBlog.org – An Inside the Arts Blog

    Inside The Arts Your cultural blogging exchange
    Adaptistration Drew McManus on orchestra management
    Brian Dickie Life as General Director of Chicago Opera Theater
    Butts In The Seats Musings on Practical Solutions For Arts Management (Joe Patti)
    Double Bass Blog Jason Heath on all things bass and culture from the ground up
    Neo Classical Holly Mulcahy on the future of classical music
    non divisi Frank Almond writes a column instead of practicing
    Scanning The Dial Marty Ronish and Jack Allen on classical music in broadcasting
    Sticks and Drones Two conductors, on the beat with Bill Eddins and Ron Spigelman
    There's Always Room For Cello The adventures of Rosin Hood; he stays on the pitch and gives you the score (Lynn Harrell)

  • Categories

  • Sponsors

  • Free online Musicians Friend coupon from dealtaker.com