# The Speaking Bow, Double bass

Martelé, staccato, détaché, and spiccato on the bass

The weight of the bass bow, whether German or French, means every bow stroke has a different character than on a smaller instrument. These lessons give you command of the full articulation palette.

Intermediate · 5 lessons · approximately 100 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [The Moment It Becomes Music](/learn/bass/moment-music), Phrasing, shaping, and musical intention from the bottom up

## What this module covers
1. **Martelé, Digging In on the Bass**, A decisive hammered stroke adapted to the weight and resistance of the bass bow (20 min)
2. **Détaché & Bow Lanes**, Clean bow changes and the four contact-point lanes on the bass string (20 min)
3. **Staccato on the String**, Short, separated notes without leaving the string (20 min)
4. **Spiccato, A First Approach**, Finding the natural bounce point on a heavy bass bow (20 min)
5. **Choosing the Right Stroke for the Part**, Matching bow stroke to musical context, orchestral, solo, chamber (20 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [Free metronome](/tools/metronome), Use a steady pulse while you count or repeat a short phrase.

## What comes next
- [Up the Neck](/learn/bass/up-the-neck), Second, fourth, and fifth position in the Simandl system

## Where should I start with the speaking bow?
The curriculum places The Moment It Becomes Music before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Martelé, Digging In on the Bass”: A decisive hammered stroke adapted to the weight and resistance of the bass bow. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the the speaking bow module?
The 5 listed lessons total approximately 100 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with martelé, staccato, détaché, and spiccato on the bass. 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 speaking 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.

## Continue in Arco
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 your physical technique or certify exam readiness.

[See packages and pricing](/pricing) · [Back to the double bass curriculum](/learn/bass)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/learn/bass/speaking-bow