Explaining the Irish Fiddle Bowhold

Is the Irish fiddle bow hold confusing to you? Not to worry, friend! In this quick Irish fiddle tutorial, I’m breaking down an alternate method for fiddle bowing for you.

You’re likely already familiar with the classical bow hold, but you may have seen pro Irish fiddle players holding their bow differently. This quick lesson will walk you through why I decided to convert to this alternate fiddle bow hold and how you can do the same.

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Learn Irish fiddle online via the Free Fiddle Tip Vault! These are quick tips and techniques to help you master the feel of your Irish fiddling, and they’re easy to add into your practice routine!

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Video hashtags: #hannahharris #hannahharrisceol #irishfiddlebowing

[HannahHarrisCeol]

Have you tried this alternate bow hold before? Do you prefer it over the classical version?

[jkmr]

Yes, exactly! I've seen the thumbnail and managed to "avoid" it in favor of mastering my classical bow hold first, but today I cracked and tried it out and.. boom! The difference is huge, and everything about fiddling happens far more naturally than when doing it with the stiffer classic bow hold - like that up and down of your wrist, the shorter and gentler strokes, it all just happens! Thanks for this great tip and your excellent explaination!

[adamcolbertmusic]

This is so reassuring! I've had a violin for nearly 20 years but I haven't worked hard at it. About a year ago I got an accordion, and recently got a book of Irish music arranged for the piano accordion. I just decided I'd start learning the Irish tunes on the fiddle as well. When I do a classical bow hold but on the wire wrapping, it just feels so much more balanced and comfortable!

[bryan.conrad]

I'm self taught and learning late (started at 30). All I really want is to play Irish fiddle tunes well. So like anyone else i just searched "how to hold a violin bow" and of course just assumed the classical hold was the only way to do it.

Anyway I was having lots of trouble. So I was watching videos of folk players and saw someone doing this hold. It kind of blew my mind to see someone playing so well with what I thought was an unconventional technique. I decided to try it for a lark and like you said, just an immediate difference. So here I am googling it to see someone else talk about it.

Thanks for sharing, makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one that the classical bow hold wasn't working for.

[carolinejayne]

Getting back into Irish FIddle after many years. I tired this bow hold on my brand new violin bow and Fiddle. I can't go back to the classical way, not now. Thank you for High lighting this

[swlbarely]

Yes I tried it. I can play faster. Thanks so much. Its very helpful. My problem of not being fast enough to play Irish music (The faster stuff) has been a rodblock for a long time . I thought my arms were too short so I bought a 3/4 violin bow, which helped, but the tone is not as rich. I've been experimenting with your method today and am already seeing significant improvement.

[walneylass]

Thanks so much for this video. Can't wait to try this tomorrow morning (it's late and my neighbours are already mad at me🤣) As a learner I have been having a bit of a bow shake problem and I have a feeling this will help. x

[AndrewsGuitarChannel]

Thanks ... this may help with my arthritis issues in my right shoulder.

[englishsassenach]

I found this hold about a month ago and it has made such a difference for me! Thank you for sharing so others can give it a try

[gabi]

I naturally hold the bow higher but not as high as you do. I'll try it as you do, see how it works. Thanks for the tip 😊

[TheJensenInterceptor]

what fabulous playing, fab sound and great Irish sound

[WVgrl]

Thank you for your information. I don't play the fiddle but I would like to try and because I have arthritis this may help me.

[TheBigMclargehuge]

As a new player should I concentrate on learning classical or can I just roll with Irish Fiddle hold? I find this hold infinitely more comfortable.

[jillrice]

I can't wait to try this; thanks!!

[Irishceol]

It's also a common Donnegal style hold

[EoinOSullivan]

Hi Hannah. Very good tip. A shorter amount of bow is better for the tunes. My dad uses a 3/4 bow and prefers it.

[missy-td]

LOVE this! I have NEVER felt comfortable holding it the 'normal' way...my fingers and hand look like it belongs to a T-Rex! I hold the bow with my little finger off and my fingers up further and it is so much more comfortable! I'm sure purists would hate my bow hold! 😂

[Irishceol]

It also has to do with the balance point of the bow it the balance point requires you to hold it more like a classical player because of the weight distribution then there is no choice. So an excuse to to bow shopping :)

[tullochgorum]

I don't see this being used much in Scotland, where it would probably be less than ideal for airs and Strathspeys. In Irish sessions you mainly hear jigs, reels and polkas where it might work quite well. But a lot of the legendary Irish players use a conventional hold, so it's a personal choice - see Kevin Burke, Liz Carroll, Tommy Peoples etc as examples.

[unterwasserbeatboxer]

Oh, you should have told me that you made a birthday present (12.08) for me last year :-). Thank you so much!