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Pizzicato - How to Go Quickly from Arco to Pizzicato

April 22, 2013 at 12:27 PM

Pizzicato - A technique easily overlooked.  In this video, I discuss how to go quickly from arco to pizzicato.  Sometimes there is not a lot of time to go from using the bow (arco) to plucking the string (pizzicato.) I demonstrate the last measure of Gossec Gavotte before the D.C al Fine, from Suzuki Book 1.  In order to expedite the transition, I demonstrate plucking without changing your bow hold but just freeing the index finger.  This puts strain on the pinky and if you do not have a strong pinky in your bow hold be sure to watch my videos about bow hold strengthening exercises.

Left hand pizzicato is also great tool to have in your toolbox for these situations.  A great example is the famous excerpt from Midsummer Night Dream Scherzo where the pizzicato occurs without a rest from the arco.  Enjoy the video:)

Bow Strengthening Exercises, filmed overlooking beautiful Gabrovo, Bulgaria.

Another video discussing pizzicato using the piece "Surprise Attack" in Evelyn Avsharian's book, New Skills.

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Thank you for posting this. The timing was perfect for me as I am working on this very thing in a piece. I particularly appreciated the video on the bow hold strengthening exercises.