What is the correct bow position on cello or bass compared to violin/viola?

• A. Similar to violin/viola, but the pinky does not rest on top of the bow; it sits next to the middle and ring fingers
• B. The pinky rests on top of the bow at all times
• C. The bow is held with the thumb only
• D. The bow is played exclusively with wrist movement

Answer: (A)

The right idea is that the bow hold for cello and bass is built like the violin/viola grip in feel and balance, but with a notable difference in pinky placement. The pinky sits next to the middle and ring fingers, not on top of the bow. This keeps the wrist freer and lets the other fingers—especially the index and middle—control pressure, speed, and tone without the pinky crowding the top of the stick. A pinky resting on top can restrict motion and make the grip feel stiff, which isn’t ideal for the longer bows and heavier instruments. The thumb supports the stick from the side, while the other fingers guide the bow smoothly across the strings. This balanced setup helps achieve clean bow changes and nuanced tone across a range of dynamics.