String Bowing Terms

Détaché bowing

requires the player to detach the notes by playing one note per a bow stroke

Ondulé technique

a bow stroke in which the bow plays to adjacent strings like a tremolo

Sautillé

the bouncing of the notes by the middle of the bow that is typically played at a fast tempo

Sul ponticello

the use of the bow close to the bridge which creates a harsh grating sound

Sul tasto

Use of the bow over the fingerboard to produce a light airy sound

Martelé

the abrupt release of a stroke in a forceful manner

Ricochet

rapid bouncing of the upper third of the bow as the player drops the bow on a down-bow

Louré

the slight detachment of the notes without changing the direction of the bow

Col legno

using the stick of the bow on the strings instead of the hair