Before you play our string instrument, there are a few crucial steps to ensure the best sound.

The Instrument

In order to prepare the instrument for playing, it is recommended to take the following steps:

• Wipe down the strings
• Tune the instrument

First, we must wipe the strings to remove any residual rosin residue or dust from previous playing sessions. Use a violin cleaning cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe the strings. Most violin cases come with cloths, however, if you do not have one, they are available online from almost any retailer.

Gently clean each string individually, making sure to wipe away any sticky or dusty parts. If you’re instrument makes a high-pitched, ugly, squeaky noise, do not worry. That is the sound of residual rosin being removed from the string. Make sure to wipe the bottom of the string as well, as it is often ignored. Be careful not to squeeze the string too hard, as that may cause damage to the string and wear it down faster.

After cleaning the string, wipe the area of the body underneath the strings. This is often where rosin accumulates, due to its positioning directly under the contact point with the bow. After that, you can wipe down any dust from underneath the fingerboard, underneath the strings on the fingerboard, and from the body of the instrument.

We recommend cleaning your instrument and strings both before and after you play, to ensure cleanliness and the best performance.

Why should we clean our strings/instruments?

Both rosin (applied to the bow) and the varnish (the final coating on the body of the instrument) are made from the same primary ingredients: a mixture of solidified tree sap and other oils. As such, when you leave rosin particulates on the body of the instrument for a long time, the two can stick together and permanently bind.

This can ruin the appearance of the instrument and become incredibly difficult to remove without permanent help.

Apart from aesthetics, cleaning the instrument is important for sound quality. As rosin sticks to the strings, it reduces the movement of each string, reducing the resonance, projection, and tone.

It can also disrupt the movement of the bow, leading to an inconsistent contact, which will also produce a worsened tone.

Tuning

For a more in-depth guide on how to tune a string instrument, check out the How to Tune your Instrument page. As a quick recap, you will need a tuner device, analog or digital. Most musicians and orchestras tune to the pitch of A = 440, 441, or 442. Either of these pitches may work.

For violins: tune each string individually, beginning with the A string, then D string, G string , and finally, the E string.

For cellos and violas: start with the A string, then D string, G string, and finally, C String.

If you are more advanced and have experience with ear training, you can consider tuning adjacent strings together, making a perfect 5th.

Tuning is important both if you are playing with an ensemble or playing solo. It ensures that members in a group are all playing the same actual pitch. When you play solo, it ensures each string will be at the same “baseline”, avoiding dissonance between strings.

The Bow

It is also important to prepare your bow for playing. To begin, we will ensure that the bow is tightened. At the end of the bow, turn the knob clockwise to tighten it (increasing the tension in the hair and bringing it away from the stick) and counterclockwise to loosen it (reducing the tension in the hair). 

For violins, you want the gap between the bow and hair to be just wide enough to fit your pinky finger through. 

Having too tight of a bow can lead to a rough and harsh sound while having too loose of a bow can lead to a thin and weak sound.