One of the most powerful tools you have as a cellist is where you place your bow on the string. This is called the contact point. The bow should always be drawn in the space between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge. That “lane” between the two is where the cello resonates best.
Yes, some contemporary or special effects ask you to play on the fingerboard or behind the bridge, but 95% of your playing will live between those two points.
The Three Lanes of Sound
I like to divide the bowing area into three “lanes,” just like lanes on a motorway:
Balancing Speed and Weight
The relationship between bow speed and bow weight is key:
Try experimenting with timed bows (using a metronome):
This exercise will help you feel how speed and weight must balance differently in each lane.
Why This Matters
Understanding contact points gives you control over tone colour. Whether you want something whispery, warm, or commanding, the bow’s placement is your paintbrush.
Yes, some contemporary or special effects ask you to play on the fingerboard or behind the bridge, but 95% of your playing will live between those two points.
The Three Lanes of Sound
I like to divide the bowing area into three “lanes,” just like lanes on a motorway:
- Lane 1 – Near the Fingerboard (the Fast Lane)
- Think of it like driving a sports car.
- Use a fast, light bow with very little weight (about 15%).
- Produces a soft, airy sound.
- Easiest place to get sound quickly, though not the most powerful.
- Lane 2 – Middle of the String (the Everyday Lane)
- Like driving a family car.
- Balanced in both bow speed and weight (around 40%).
- Produces a full, resonant tone that suits most playing.
- A reliable, comfortable contact point for clear sound.
- Lane 3 – Close to the Bridge (the Slow Lane)
- Imagine a heavy lorry or truck.
- Requires much more weight (up to 80–90%) and a slower bow speed.
- Produces a powerful, intense sound but is harder to control.
- Essential for dramatic passages and projecting a strong tone.
Balancing Speed and Weight
The relationship between bow speed and bow weight is key:
- Fast bow speed = less weight
- Slow bow speed = more weight
Try experimenting with timed bows (using a metronome):
- 8 seconds per bow in Lane 3 (near the bridge)
- 5 seconds per bow in Lane 2 (middle)
- 3 seconds per bow in Lane 1 (near the fingerboard)
This exercise will help you feel how speed and weight must balance differently in each lane.
Why This Matters
Understanding contact points gives you control over tone colour. Whether you want something whispery, warm, or commanding, the bow’s placement is your paintbrush.