Which statement describes sul tasto bowing?

• A. A loud, brassy tone close to the bridge
• B. A soft airy sound produced by bowing over the fingerboard
• C. A heavy, forced accent on the downbeat
• D. A sharp snap produced near the tip

Answer: (B)

Sul tasto is the technique of bowing over the fingerboard to produce a soft, airy, singing tone. Playing near the fingerboard lightens the bow’s contact with the string, yielding a more delicate color and quieter dynamics. This description matches the idea of a soft, airy sound produced by bowing over the fingerboard. The other statements describe different timbres or articulations—near the bridge gives a brighter, more brassy tone; a heavy downbeat accent describes rhythm or attack; a sharp snap near the tip suggests a percussive stroke—none of which capture sul tasto’s gentle, ethereal color.