What is the contact point?
Thoughts and observations
Contact point is a technical term we often talk about in connection with stringed instruments. But what does it really mean? In short, the point you touch with the bow is where the instrument responds optimally and produces a large and projecting tone out into the room. For experienced musicians who have tried many different instruments, it is easy to find this point. But for other musicians who have less experience, it can be difficult to find. I will try here to give some tips and advice based on long experience with musicians of all levels.
When trying an instrument you have not played before, it is important to find the optimal distance between the bridge and the bow when bowing. In addition, the contact point will be largely affected by the speed of the bow and the pressure. You also have to fine-tune your ears to listen for nuances in the sound, and feel what kind of response the instrument gives back in the left hand when playing.
If you push too much, the sound will feel suffocated and with little carrying capacity. This can be difficult to judge up close, especially when playing the violin or viola. A cellist often has a little more distance to the instrument, and can perceive to a greater extent what comes back from the room. The big challenge is that each instrument has a unique contact point, and you have to adapt to the individual instrument.
I think that the most important ability to find the right contact point on your particular instrument is that you try to listen. Then the rest comes more intuitively.
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