String Pedagogy Notebook

Intermediate Skills for Right Hand

Martelé Bow Strokes

Martelé is a bow stroke that is played on the string. It differs from the detaché bow stroke in that pressure is applied before the beginning of the bow stroke, and the pressure is released as the bow begins to move. If executed properly, the note has a crisp attack or accent. The bow stops at the end of the stroke and weight is added in preparation for the next stroke. The martelé is used in marcato passages, for accents, and can be played from pianissimo to fortissimo. Say the word "pow" or "ping". The "puh" sound at the beginning of those words resembles the beginning of a martelé stroke. The most common problems are not releasing the pressure when the bow starts to move, or moving the bow before applying pressure.

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