bowings

Bowings refer to the techniques and notational conventions governing how a bowed string instrument is played, most commonly on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. The term covers both the physical act of moving the bow across the string and the markings in music notation that guide that movement. Proper bowing shapes tone, articulation, phrasing, and balance within an ensemble or solo line.

Notationally, the basic bow directions are down-bow and up-bow marks, which indicate the direction of the bow stroke. A down-bow mark typically signals the bow should move from the frog toward the tip, while an up-bow mark signals movement from the tip toward the frog. Slurs group multiple notes to be played in a single bow stroke, guiding phrasing and legato connection. Other marks indicate articulation or emphasis, such as staccato for short notes, portato for a light, detached legato, and various accents. Players may also see indications for special colors or effects, such as sul ponticello (near the bridge) or sul tasto (over the fingerboard), which influence tone through bow position and contact.

Techniques commonly associated with bowings include legato and détaché (separate bows), spiccato (bounced bow for light, detached notes), and martelé (hammered, forceful strokes). Spiccato and détaché are often used in faster passages, while legato bowings support smooth melodic lines. In ensemble settings, editors and conductors assign or suggest bowings to manage string crossings, balance, and phrasing. In performance, players may adjust bowings to suit instrument, repertoire, and personal articulation preferences.