Percussive Techniques - Hands (non pitch specific)
​

Fingers/Thumb
Areas available: all
Percussive Timbre: full/variable
Dynamic Range: pp-f
Special Notes: 

• Right hand constricted when holding bow.
• Thumb gives greatest attack.
• see Tremolo Finger Drumming

Fingernails
Areas available: all
Percussive Timbre: sharp/defined
Dynamic Range: pp-mf
Special Notes: 

• Right hand constricted when holding bow.
• High dynamic levels could damage instrument varnish

Notation
A 1-4 line staff (as used for percussion writing) provides the clearest method of demonstrating different areas of percussive sounds.

Palm
Areas available: all
Percussive Timbre: full
Dynamic Range: pp-ff
Special Notes: 

• Right hand cannot be used on body whilst holding bow

Knuckles
Areas available: all
Percussive Timbre: sharp/defined
Dynamic Range: pp-ff
Special Notes: 

• Right hand cannot be used whilst holding bow.

BACK