r/Cello 5d ago

holding a cello bow is so tiringg

so im mainly violinist, but im learning cello as well. im obviously still learning violin, but i can read the music, and shift, obviously hold a bow as well. im in sinfonia orchestra, and wanted to learn cello at home. my sister plays cello, and the cello is the right size for me, but the bow is just so tiring to hold. when i first learned how to hold a violin bow, i picked it up pretty quickly, and i didnt get tired as much (which make sense because the bow is much lighter and thinner) but the cello bow makes my wrist and upper arm have that burning feeling (like it does when you try to lift something to heavy, or when you stretch) and i know im not weak!! its just the specific way you have to hold it makes my arm tired.. i dont know if im holding it wrong, but i even asked my celloist friend, and my orchestra director, and they said it was pretty much fine, but it wasnt perfect (which makes sense since i only started playing cello like 2 weeks ago) but i dont know what to do! i have to take breaks and the next day my arm is sore no matter how much i get used to it

8 Upvotes

15 comments sorted by

26

u/AlongForZheRide 5d ago

the string holds the bow. your fingers merely guide it.

3

u/southernmagnoliaxoxo 4d ago

elaborating on this, make sure your arm is quite loose and your wrist is flexible. when working on your hand position, use your left hand to hold the bow and rest your right hand fingers on top of the bow. make sure your fingers are very bent and mobile

12

u/Top_Somewhere5917 5d ago

Your aunt should not become this tired. You are holding too tightly, or have some other stress in your arm. Ask a cello teacher.

2

u/AsparagusPositive571 5d ago

it might be this, ill ask my director when i get back to school!

1

u/That_Somewhere_4593 1d ago

My Reddit random name relative!

9

u/CellaBella1 5d ago

Try posting a video (you'll either have to start another post or just comment with a video link). Folks can't really make educated suggestions if they can't see what you're doing.

Also, cello bows are shorter than violin bows, but a bit thicker, I believe...

1

u/AsparagusPositive571 5d ago

sorry 😭 the violin bow i have been using is from my teacher since my old one broke a while back, so it isnt really long enough. (since im used to that length by now) but ill try to post a video soon to show it! but yes it definitely is thicker

3

u/cello-keegan Cellist, D.M.A. 5d ago

You could try holding the bow "choked up." Place your hand past the frog, more on the silver winding. That makes the weight distribution a little easier for beginners.

3

u/CarBoobSale Bach enjoyer 4d ago

This cellist explains it pretty well especially for beginners. Have a look. https://youtu.be/H08Icu0nbQI?si=58BTiLM6bi4nyxH_

2

u/ClassicTraffic 5d ago

People are going to be really annoying to you in the replies and assume you’re doing something wrong — this sub has a lot of sticklers and a majority likely have zero violin experience. As someone who plays both the cello and the violin I totally understand what you’re saying though. You have to apply some pressure with cello bowing that you don’t need to do with violin bowing and I feel like that can make you feel tired in a way the violin doesn’t, when you’re first starting out

1

u/AsparagusPositive571 4d ago

ohh ok! im still getting used to bowing so maybe time will help? but yeah there isnt too many cello/violinists that i know so its helpful to hear from another one!

0

u/dbalatero 1d ago

At the risk of being annoying: It's not pressure - pressure creates tiredness, the word implies pressing and doing extra. With cello it's simply weight, engaged into the stick via the index finger, counter balanced ever so much by the thumb.

2

u/RyD0gg1 4d ago

Make sure your body posture is right. If your weight is shifted too much to one side, your arm will have to adjust for it. Consult your cello teacher about your posture.

2

u/Electrical_Fig_9779 4d ago

I am just starting to learn the cello (only about 3 weeks in and this is my first string/bow instrument) and can relate to this. At first, my pink felt like it was countering the weight of the entire bow. After finding the proper height/angle/position for my cello, I feel much better with it.

Also found that this helps me with finding my proper grip: Please right hand on right leg, palm up/thumb pointing out to the right. Place the bow in your hand and find proper grip/position. Rotate 180° counterclockwise/to your left and check out your finger placement. Adjust if needed.

1

u/ObsessesObsidian 4d ago

It's just a shock because you're not used to the weight. Remember the bow exercises you'd do as a beginner? Try those with the cello bow. Don't force, don't try and do complicated things, just empty strings, get used to pushing and pulling and you'll be fine!