ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Bow stroke

Imagine you have a magic wand that you can move back and forth to create different sounds on a musical instrument like the violin or cello. That magic wand is called a bow, and the way you move it is called a bow stroke.

When you play a musical instrument with a bow, you have to move it on a special string called the bow string. The bow has a special part called the hair, which is made from horsehair or sometimes other materials. The hair is stretched tightly from one end of the bow to the other.

To make a sound, you have to rub the bow across the string. This is similar to rubbing a stick on the edge of a glass to make a sound. But with the bow, you have to use a special grip called a bow hold. It's like when you hold a pencil, but your fingers are arranged in a special way.

When you want to make a soft and smooth sound, you need to use a bow stroke called legato. It's like drawing a long line with your magic wand on the string. The bow moves smoothly and continuously, without any breaks or pauses.

If you want to make a short sound, like a quick "ping," you can use a bow stroke called staccato. It's like tapping your magic wand on the string, and then quickly lifting it up. This makes a short and bouncy sound.

Another bow stroke is called spiccato. It's like bouncing the magic wand on the string. You lightly touch the string with the bow, and then it bounces off really quickly. This makes a series of short and energetic sounds.

There's also a bow stroke called détaché. It's like making separate dots with your magic wand on the string. You play one note at a time, and each one is a bit separate from the others. It's like when you clap your hands slowly, making each clap on its own.

To make a loud sound, you need to use a bow stroke called martelé. It's like hitting the string with your magic wand. You press down on the string with force and quickly release it. This makes a strong and bold sound.

These are just a few examples of different bow strokes you can use to create different sounds on a musical instrument. Just like a magician with a wand, you can use your bow to create beautiful music!