How To | Strings Magazine | For players of violin, viola, cello, bass & fiddle

Technique, advice, and tips.

How to Select the Right Fine Tuners

Here we take a minute to demystify fine tuners on stringed instruments. How many fine tuners should you use? And which type is best? Read on to find out more

Learning the 7 Points on the Cello Fingerboard

Here is a guide to improving pitch accuracy, body alignment, and shifting on the cello by learning the 7 points on the cello fingerboard.

Develop an Individual Sound on the Strings

How to sound like your favorite player or find your own voice By Mimi Rabson What is it about your favorite players that makes them your favorites? Is it... Read More...

How to Tell If Your Bow Needs a Rehair

Bow hair does break and stretch, and eventually stops engaging the string. Here's what to look and feel for to know if it's time to have your bow rehaired.

Navigate Tricky Double-Stops in Simple Steps

Learn the necessary preparation and bow control through these musical exercises By Mimi Rabson Double-stops can sound great when they are played correctl... Read More...

Learn to Devise the Best Cello Fingerings

How can you decide what distinguishes a good fingering from a bad one, and what criteria can you use to figure out the best possible fingering solution?

How to Steady Your Bouncing Bow

Are you having trouble steadying your bow? Try the son filé and parlando exercises detailed here to steady your bouncing bow.

Yo-Yo Ma on Communicating Effectively with Your Audience

Performance is only magical if the audience is fully engaged by Edith Eisler "CONTENT, COMMUNICATION, AND RECEPTION," cellist Yo-Yo Ma says, "those are the ... Read More...

Tips for Inner Voices on Mastering Spiccato

By James Reel When you start playing in orchestras or chamber ensembles, one of the most important bow strokes you’ll need at your disposal is spiccato. Part... Read More...

Unlock Your Thumb for Fluid Cello Technique

Relaxation and flexibility promote good technique and injury-free playing By Joel Becktell I often give students a little quiz. It’s simple, yet what it reve... Read More...