8 Tips to Sound Sweet on the Violin

Looking to improve your violin sound quality?

Learn the exact bowing techniques and fingering to make your violin sound sweet and romantic

Video content:

00:10 Avoid open strings
00:25 Play in higher positions on lower strings (choice of fingering)
00:54 Lower point of contact
01:18 Less weight and slow bow
02:15 Place on the bow (bow distribution)
02:46 Tilt the bow
03:26 Slow vibrato
04:47 Bow smoothly

#1 Avoid open strings

Stopped notes will have a warm mellow sound compared to open strings. Here's a video on when to avoid open strings with some examples.

#2 Play in higher positions on lower strings

Lower strings have a warmer sound. This is way we sometimes play whole phrases just on the G string. The choice of string and fingering influences the sound.

#3 Lower point of contact

The contact point is where on the string the bow hair is placed. If you play near the fingerboard, the sound will be softer.

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#4 Less weight and slow bow

By using less weight, the sound will be softer. By choosing a low bow speed, the sound will also be softer. Experiment and discover the sweet spot.

#5 Place on the bow (bow distribution)

At the frog you'll have a stronger sound, while at the tip it's easier to sound softer and sweeter. Always be aware where on the bow you will play certain notes. This needs to be balanced out with the weight, speed and contact point I mentioned earlier.

#6 Tilt the bow

By tilting the bow in the direction of the scroll, you will play with less hair and the sound will get softer and sweeter. You can choose to tilt the bow just at the frog or throughout the whole bow stroke.

#7 Slow vibrato

A fast narrow vibrato can sound nervous. Make slow, wide and lush vibrato for more romantic pieces.

#8 Bow smoothly

By making fluent movements with your wrist and fingers, you smoothen out the bow changes and create a more resonant sound. Watch this video violin lesson all about bowing smoothly.

Which tip helped you most to improve your violin sound quality?

Leave a comment with your insights and/or questions.

8 Tips to Sound Sweet on the Violin

Join the Violin Lounge Academy

Looking to improve your violin sound quality?

Learn the exact bowing techniques and fingering to make your violin sound sweet and romantic

Video content:

#1 Avoid open strings

#2 Play in higher positions on lower strings

#3 Lower point of contact

Improve your violin bowing technique

#4 Less weight and slow bow

#5 Place on the bow (bow distribution)

#6 Tilt the bow

#7 Slow vibrato

#8 Bow smoothly

Which tip helped you most to improve your violin sound quality?

Join the Violin Lounge Academy

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Looking to improve your violin sound quality?

Learn the exact bowing techniques and fingering to make your violin sound sweet and romantic

Video content:

#1 Avoid open strings

#2 Play in higher positions on lower strings

#3 Lower point of contact

Improve your violin bowing technique

#4 Less weight and slow bow

#5 Place on the bow (bow distribution)

#6 Tilt the bow

#7 Slow vibrato

#8 Bow smoothly

Which tip helped you most to improve your violin sound quality?