August 10, 2026 - #62 (2 String Bow Control)

August 10, 2026 - 2 String Bow Control

I love what summer festivals offer me–a chance to hear amazing fiddlers doing what they enjoy most. It is a good time to really listen and watch some very talented folks while they play their favorite tunes with their favorite people. I come away a little overwhelmed with everything I want to study and practice. As I have said before, you have to enjoy this journey as it is likely you will never reach the destination. I don’t see an end in sight for myself.

Recently while teaching, I was working with some folks that reminded me how difficult it is to actually play on two strings with even tone throughout the entire bow stroke. This is so important for multiple reasons but primarily for intonation and listening to the variations of chord shapes. I never thought about how these bow arm angles are different when playing two open strings or what happens when you note one and leave one open and many times my note would be drowned out by the open string and I couldn’t hear it. If you haven’t mastered this control, make it a part of your practice until you know for sure you are adjusting for the three angles it requires. Five minutes of intentional practice of this skill will make a huge difference in a short time.

I am leaving you with a few fun moments from Clifftop. Thanks for walking this journey with me!