The paradox of the endless bow (VIDEO)

October 18, 2016, 1:44 PM ·

Achilles and the Tortoise have reached the end of the bow...or have they?

The violin bow has a problem: it ends. And with it, so does the phrase. But what if the bow didn't have to end?

Step into a parallel reality with me, one where no matter how long you draw a bow, you never reach its limit!

Zeno the Greek

In the fifth century BCE, Zeno (despite not owning a violin, as far as we know) thought about this very problem. He devised a series of "paradoxes" that challenged his listeners to perceive time and space in new ways. In particular, he proposed that: Motion is nothing but an illusion!

One of his most famous paradoxes features Achilles and a tortoise. And it holds the key to an endless bow, which in turn will give you endless phrases.

So if you've ever been frustrated by bow changes, watch my video and discover a brand new practice technique:

What did you think of Zeno's paradox? And how are your bow changes? Let me know in the comments below.

Replies

199.46.250.144

October 19, 2016 at 10:45 AM · Can the camera back up a bit so we can see your right hand since you are talking about hand position?

128.151.71.16

October 19, 2016 at 05:19 PM · Like always very helpful and timely.

N.A. Mohr

October 19, 2016 at 05:33 PM · For what it's worth...that's a sea turtle in your picture, not a tortoise.

Just sayin'...;)

Nathan Cole

October 19, 2016 at 06:19 PM · Haha... I've also been informed that that's a Spartan soldier rather than a Greek! Sometimes vector-art beggars can't be choosers. :)

jean dubuisson

October 20, 2016 at 03:04 AM · again thanks so much for the great practice tips, Nate! your videos become more and more unique!

Nathan Cole

October 20, 2016 at 05:53 PM · Thank you, and I appreciate everyone's feedback as well. I want these to be helpful on topics that you're wondering about.

Jason Broander

October 21, 2016 at 03:36 PM · Spartan's are Greek, so I think you're good=)

Nathan Cole

October 22, 2016 at 02:53 AM · Right... I got even more turned around than I thought. Spartan rather than Athenian!

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