String Instrument Bowing Techniques and Articulations: Definitions and Terms

Detache

a primarily connected bow stroke with distinct, separate bows

Arco

play with the bow

Pizzacato

pluck the string

Legato/Slurred

Music that is played smoothly, without gaps between notes.

Portato

a bowing technique where you play several notes under one continuous bow stroke, but gently re-articulate (separate) them by momentarily stopping or pulsing the bow between notes (has a tenuto symbol when marked.)

Portamento

A quick slide connecting notes

glissando(gliss.)

long slide between notes without emphasising specific pitches.

Col Legno Battuto

Hit string with both bow hair and wood resulting in rhythmic attack.

Col Legno Tratto

bow with the back of the bow

Spiccato/Saltando

short, bouncy, disconnected

Sul Ponticello

bow near bridge

Sul Tasto

bow near finger board

Bartok Pizz

String is plucked hard enough to slap finger board.

Martele

Accented and detached, played with upper part of bow. (marked w/ accent + staccato)

Up bow staccato

played detatched notes with an up bow. (staccato notes slurred together.)

Hook bowing

similar to portato, used to slightly de emphasise notes.