Does anybody know a solution to this? I used to bow perfectly straight, but now when I bow, the bow sort of slides around. I don`t think it is because of rosin or anything. Maybe it`s the strings? The strings on one of my viola are really thick, and I tend to do worse on those. Thanks for any help.
CJ

you might just be bowing at a wierd angle or pushing down too hard, but as long as the sound is still the same i don`t think whether you`re bowing straight or not should really matter, i`ve seen some people bow at almost 50º angles...

If it`s sliding around, by far the most likely cause (if i have understood the problem) IS lack of rosin.

Liz

I agree with the rosin suggestion. Perhaps you aren`t using enough rosin or you are putting so much pressure in the arm?
Try practicing in front of a mirror playing open bows and watch what you do. Try scales and then string crossing techniques. If the problem continues, I`d suggest to pick up a bowing book by sevcik. Works wonders.

Hope that helps!

Thanks, I`ll try that.

i had the same problem...and my lessons teacher made me use this thing called a bow right that you put on your instrument...fixed my problem!

Another thing you can do is look in a mirror when practicing and spend some time bowing up and down, making sure the bow is always straight. And always have a relaxed arm/hand, it helps.

I know this reply is a bit late....

It`s not the instrument, and its not the rosin: it`s the musician. Don`t worry about it, I can`t bow perfectly straight either. Get one of those "bow right" deals for beginners and you should be set.