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Chords

Learn how to play smooth slow chords and powerful fast chords with excellent sound quality.

Definition

Slow chords:
Equal bow pressure bottom strings.
Release 50% of the bow pressure during the string change.

Fast chords:
Hit the top two strings with fast bow speed.
Tilt your wrist to catch the D-string in the beginning of the chord.

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Exercises

Beginner

Release 50% of your bow pressure during the string change.

The character of the chord is derived from the length of the bottom notes.

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Intermediate

Play the top two strings with very fast bow speed.

Tilt your wrist to catch the bottom string.

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Advanced

Beginning of Bach's Ciaconna.

Rhythm: The beat occurs on the top of the chord.

The two bottom notes must be played before the beat.

Remember to release the bow pressure during every string crossing.

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Master Classes

Bach: Solo Sonata in G-minor, Adagio

Hold the bottom two notes long to establish the calm character of the piece.

The note which continues the melody remains alone at the end of the chord.

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Bach: Solo Sonata in G-minor, Fuga

Hit the top two strings with fast bow speed.

Tilt your wrist to catch the D-string in the beginning of the chord.

Tilt your wrist up for the up bow.

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Performances

Bach: Ciaconna (Excerpts)

Violin, Yang Liu.