Seamless String Crossing
When beginners first learn string crossing between E and A, the initial challenge is to play consistently on A string without accidentally brushing adjacent strings. The bow angles between the strings seem too tight. With practice however, they quickly develop a precise sense of the string levels. For this sense to develop accurately, the violin must remain in the correct position on the shoulder.
Crossing smoothly and cleanly from one string to another enables us to play the line of a melody seamlessly, as if it was on one string alone.
Preparation:
At this stage, the 5 rhythms should be well established on E string. To prepare for string crossing, I set a week of rhythms on A string alone, making sure the tone is clear and strong, using these steps:
- Set up basic playing posture, with the bow on E string. Relax the right shoulder.
- Rotate over to A string without moving the elbow outwards. It may lift upwards a little, but the shoulder should still be free from tension. The aim is to create a single good right arm condition for all strings. Elbow flapping (chicken wing) creates awkward arm motion and unwarranted tension, slowing down string crossings.
- Practise rhythms on A, focusing on a clear tone. I set a challenge: how rhythms many can you play correctly in a row on A?
String Crossing Technique: Read More →