SPUN TONES

The spun tone is the most uniquely useful bow technique in orchestra, and possibly the least useful bow technique in a recital. You will probably never plan to use your bow for 30 seconds in one direction in a piece of solo repertoire, mostly because it is a poor artistic choice in that arena. However, you should practice spun tones if you ever play in orchestra, and you should master them if you expect to work regularly in an orchestra. Particularly in concertos but also in a lot of symphonic repertoire (Mahler 5, Mahler 9, etc.) the long, slow bow is a staple; you must be able to make your way through the entire length of the bow with a beautiful and consistent sound. It is important to blend into the section sound: you do not want to be the loudest person, nor add bumps to the sound, nor scratches or squeaks. Learn how to make a supremely quiet and beautiful sound. Unfathomably quiet in a practice room, but don’t forget about it in your right hand practice because it is vital in a symphony.

To practice spun tones set your metronome to 60 and play each direction for thirty clicks. Notice the varying functions of your different fingers at each point in the bow and the way they change in relative importance through the course of one bow draw. The pinky is boss at the frog and the first finger manages the tip. You can practice a variation of the Frog Exercise from the Whole Bows page when you practice your spun tones: draw the bow with only the first three fingers starting at the tip, switching to the bottom three fingers at the mid-point of the bow; reverse on down bow from the frog, starting with bottom three fingers (no grip change). Second time at the tip: draw with first two fingers, switch to middle two at the 1/3 point, switch to the bottom two fingers at the 2/3 point; reverse on down bow. Finally, from the tip: draw with just the first finger, at 1/4 switch to middle finger, then ring finger at halfway point, and pinky for last quarter of the bow; reverse on down bow. Try the spun tone again using all four fingers to hold the bow. It should feel easier.