Music Lesson: German vs. French Bass Bow Grip

Bassist David Horn explains the pros and cons of the German and French bass bows.

[bass]

Huge thanks for that. Best demonstration of the differences, especially the issue of the German bow on the E string...the main problem I’m experiencing atm with changing from the French bow on which, as you say, is not a problem. Thanks again. Very clear demonstration.

[michaeljconway]

Very reasoned and articulated lesson. I here as a beginning cellist finding the 'french' bow very tiring on the hand. I have been know to 'change up' to a more German hold on the bow; it is much easier on the hand! I won't be playing internationally any time soon, so I think I'm safe

[Toremneon]

But what if i play a german bow... with a french grip?!?!?!?! MIND I have both bows but i prefer the french, though i am german... so please don´t tell anyone.

[Joe_Everett]

I've heard Dave play and he is legit.. Great video and description. Hope you're well, Dave! :)

[Arahansannihilation]

German bow grip is more suitable for such a huge instrument. The French grip seems weak.

[elsarichardson]

I found your explanation very interesting and delightfully easy to follow.
Thank you. Alex Richardson. Australia

[RicHattleVead]

I've always sat with my bass really tilted in like that because it was comfortable (and I started with French bow). Just makes everything easy for me.

[fourassedmonkey]

You get your description of the Streicher grip a bit wrong:
It is only the first finger that rests on the top of the stick and provides weight, the tip of the second finger rests on the side of the stick and keeps the it level.
String crossing is also quite different, the pinky finger adjust the attitude of the frog from flat on the bottom strings to angled on the top.
Complex string changes can be easily achieved with this technique.

[vinojazzbass]

Very good explanation. Easy to understand. Thanks!

[daveroberts]

Great video, thanks. I started with a French bow because it came with the bass. But I might be doing it wrong because it puts a lot of pressure on my first finger. So I got a German bow, but found the same problem as described in the video -- it's tougher to play the E string, especially because I stand next to the bass rather than behind it. So now I'm back to French bowing and trying to figure out how to hold it so that it doesn't put too much stress on the first finger.

[TheMornox]

thank you for the comparisons! i was looking for something like this while researching about Togaman GuitarViol bowing options.

[adriepram]

Now we wait for videos of Mr. Bass explaining about horn as a response for this video.
Won't it be mindblowing??

[reality-basedthinking]

Thanks for the informative video. It's a helpful introduction for the novice.

[liambradfield]

Thanks, very informative. I have read that the German bow works better for players with long arms and the French bow works better for players with short arms. I would think body proportion play a significant role in bow grip choice.

[alexandroskokkinopoulos]

So if we see the advantages and disadvantages of each one, french bow technique outnumbers the german bow technique...

[gooseboy]

David Horn with the Cello, Michael Cello with the Horn

[lucianonourjalil]

is it true that if you want to play or study in Germany or Austria you must only use the German bow??

[TnT-zzcw]

I use German bow because using the French bow, I squeeze very hard without even knowing so it hurts my hand.

[brumm]

I think the German bow grip looks cooler.

[Redneck_Wizard]

The tone difference is so vastly night and day it's astonishing.

The German bow is much deeper, richer, and more sonorous. The French bow is more thin, nasal and has much more treble.

I can absolutely understand why German orchestras refuse to even consider French bows.