Trouble consistently playing both strings when crossing strings playing double stops

Question by: Bob

When I’m crossing strings and playing double stops, I have trouble consistently playing both strings. What can I do to improve my technique?

Answer by: Vi Wickam

Hey Bob,

Thanks for your question. My first recommendation is to practice the 5 minute bow exercise 2 times per day for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2 weeks, I’m fairly certain that you will see a marked improvement in your bowing accuracy.

https://www.mytalentforge.com/lessons/zen-bowing-exercises-lesson-7-jose-gingolds-5-minute-bow/

After you have spent 2 weeks on that lesson, I would recommend adding the simple double stop scales (Level 1). Spend 10 minutes a day practicing them for at least 2 weeks – probably a month or so. Get to the point where you are playing them comfortably in tune before you move on to the next level. Work on 1 key at a time. Maybe take one key and work on it for 2 weeks. The second and 3^rd keys will come a little easier than the 1^st.

https://www.mytalentforge.com/series/simple-double-stop-scales/

After you feel very comfortable with these 2 lessons, I would take on the following 2 zen bowing exercises in the same manner – 10 minutes a day for 2 weeks:

https://www.mytalentforge.com/lessons/zen-bowing-exercises-lesson-3-string-changes-low-high/

https://www.mytalentforge.com/lessons/zen-bowing-exercises-lesson-4-string-changes-high-low/

By practicing these string changes, you will get a better feel for where the space between the strings is as well. You might want to practice Cincinnati hornpipe along with these 2 lessons.

https://www.mytalentforge.com/lessons/cincinnati-hornpipe/

If you get stuck, or get through this and are ready for more (or have something else you want help with), let me know and I will be happy to help!

Thanks,

Vi