Which bowing technique involves bouncing the bow to produce rapid notes?

• A. Col legno
• B. Ricochet
• C. Sul ponticello
• D. Sul tasto

Answer: (B)

Ricochet is a bowing technique where the bow is allowed to bounce on the string, producing a rapid sequence of short notes in a single stroke. The bounce creates multiple note events quickly, which is exactly what “rapid notes” describes.

In contrast, col legno involves striking the strings with the wood of the bow for a percussive effect; sul ponticello places the bow near the bridge for a bright, glassy timbre; and sul tasto plays over the fingerboard for a softer, airy tone. None of these primarily aim to produce a fast, bouncing sequence of notes, so ricochet best matches the description.