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of the first finger and the tip of the little finger. This is indi-
cated by the line in Fig. 62. The thumb is placed at point A,
Fig. 63, just where the frog joins the under side of the stick.
The thumb should go between the stick and the hairs and
should touch both the frog and the stick. It should be directly
opposite the right middle finger (Fig. 64), and should also
lightly rest against the edge of the bow hairs.
Now, for what is possibly the most important point about
holding the bow correctly. The end joint of the thumb should
be at a definite right angle to the second joint. This is shown
in Fig. 64. This is the easiest grip and the best way to get real
control of the bow, which is one of the hardest things to do
when you are just starting.
Bowing and Fingering
The bow is not held straight up and down over the strings,
but is Keld in a slightly slanting position with the stick further
away from you than the hairs. Hold it at a right angle to the
strings. It should then be drawn across one string (any one),
touching only that string. Keep the bow midway between the
bridge and the fingerboard. Do not press the bow heavily
against the string. Move it lightly, freely and evenly. This lets
the string vibrate clearly.
There are several special signs and numbers printed on violin
music to guide you in the use of the bow and the left-hand
fingers.
The sign V means an up bow. This means that you push the
bow upward.
The sign n means a down bow. You are to pull the bow
down.
The numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 are placed above notes to indicate
which finger of the left hand you are to use in making the note
—the first, second, third or fourth finger.
The sign O means open string. The note indicated by it is
played on an open string, that is, a string not touched by one
of the fingers. You might play the note E, for example, on the
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