Violin · Advanced
The Flying Bow
Spiccato, sautillé, and ricochet
When the bow leaves the string, a new world opens up. Spiccato, sautillé, and ricochet give the violin its famous sparkle and brilliance, but they demand precise control of the bow's natural bounce rather than forcing it.
Before this module
What this module covers
Developing Spiccato
Controlling the Bounce
Sautillé, The Fast Bow
Ricochet & Thrown Strokes
Off-String Stroke Combinations
What comes next
Practise with a free reference
- Free metronome
Use a steady pulse while you count or repeat a short phrase.
Planning this part of your learning
- Where should I start with the flying bow?
- The curriculum places Shadow and Light before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Developing Spiccato”: Building a reliable, controlled off-string stroke at moderate tempo. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.
- How long is the the flying bow module?
- The 5 listed lessons total approximately 120 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with spiccato, sautillé, and ricochet. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.
- What can I try here without an account?
- The the flying bow description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.
Open this module in Arco
Lessons include the synchronised staff, keyboard, and fingerboard view, recorded violin playback, and quizzes that track your answers. The complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five music theory lessons are free with an account, including saved progress and no time limit. Later lessons require the relevant paid package. Public samples do not assess physical technique or certify exam readiness.