String crossings are one of the most important parts of cello technique and one of the trickiest to master smoothly. A string crossing simply means moving the bow from one string to another, whether it’s from a lower string up to a higher one, or the other way around.
Finding Each String’s Level
Start by feeling the “level” of each string. For example, play on the G string and notice where your elbow and hand naturally sit, it should feel balanced and secure. When you move to another string, your arm must travel in a small arc to reach the new level.
If you’ve already worked on bow angles, you’ll remember that the C string has its own angle just missing the G string, and the G string sits right in the middle. When you move between them, aim to travel in a smooth, curved path that lands you perfectly on the next level, not hanging too low or pushing too high.
The Two Bow Circles (or “Bovals”)
Every string crossing can be thought of as one of two simple circular motions with the bow. I like to call them bovals (bow ovals).
Once you understand these two circles, every string crossing becomes easier and more legato. Even fast passages feel smoother because your bow is always moving through a natural arc.
Adding the New String Smoothly
When changing from one string to another, try playing a hint of the new note on the old bow direction first. This helps you find the perfect level before the full change. For example, if you’re moving from the G to the D string, touch the D string lightly just before the bow change. It makes the transition beautifully seamless.
Slurred String Crossings
When we add slurs, the same principle applies, the bow still travels in circular motions. You might notice shapes like gentle waves or even small figure-of-eight patterns, especially in flowing passages such as the Bach Prelude. These subtle arcs keep the sound connected and the motion continuous.
Final Thoughts
So remember:
If you can internalise these two bow circles from the start, string crossings will always feel natural and easy.
Finding Each String’s Level
Start by feeling the “level” of each string. For example, play on the G string and notice where your elbow and hand naturally sit, it should feel balanced and secure. When you move to another string, your arm must travel in a small arc to reach the new level.
If you’ve already worked on bow angles, you’ll remember that the C string has its own angle just missing the G string, and the G string sits right in the middle. When you move between them, aim to travel in a smooth, curved path that lands you perfectly on the next level, not hanging too low or pushing too high.
The Two Bow Circles (or “Bovals”)
Every string crossing can be thought of as one of two simple circular motions with the bow. I like to call them bovals (bow ovals).
- From a lower string (down bow) to a higher string (up bow):
The bow moves in a small, anticlockwise oval. Watch the screw of your bow, you’ll see it trace that oval as your elbow and hand lift slightly. - From a higher string (up bow) to a lower string (down bow):
The motion reverses into a clockwise oval. Again, it’s small, fluid, and circular, never abrupt or square.
Once you understand these two circles, every string crossing becomes easier and more legato. Even fast passages feel smoother because your bow is always moving through a natural arc.
Adding the New String Smoothly
When changing from one string to another, try playing a hint of the new note on the old bow direction first. This helps you find the perfect level before the full change. For example, if you’re moving from the G to the D string, touch the D string lightly just before the bow change. It makes the transition beautifully seamless.
Slurred String Crossings
When we add slurs, the same principle applies, the bow still travels in circular motions. You might notice shapes like gentle waves or even small figure-of-eight patterns, especially in flowing passages such as the Bach Prelude. These subtle arcs keep the sound connected and the motion continuous.
Final Thoughts
So remember:
- Every string has its own comfortable level.
- Every string crossing is a smooth, circular motion, clockwise or anticlockwise.
- Practise in front of a mirror to see your ovals clearly.
If you can internalise these two bow circles from the start, string crossings will always feel natural and easy.