Bowing
How to do martele
Martele (French for hammered) is a strongly accented on-the-string stroke with a sharp bite at the start of each note followed by an immediate release of pressure as the bow travels, then a full stop before the next note. The defining features are the initial pinch and the silence between notes; notes are isolated, never blended. Martele teaches precise control of attack and release, which underlies clean accents and strong note starts everywhere. It is a standard etude stroke (Kreutzer) and a building block for staccato and other accented bowings.
How to practice it
- 1Set the bow on the string, press (pinch) to grip the string before moving, then release that extra pressure the instant the bow starts to travel.
- 2If the start is too crunchy, separate the actions: press, release, then bow, and gradually shrink the time between them into one motion.
- 3Practice short martele strokes in the upper third of the bow so each note speaks clearly and immediately.
- 4Use a scale with two martele notes per bow stroke, then build to three, four, six, and more for bow division and control.
- 5Listen for a clean stop with no scratch at the end; if you hear a scratch, you did not fully release the pressure.
Common mistakes
- Keeping pressure on through the stroke, which produces a crushed or scratchy sound.
- Failing to stop fully between notes, blurring the articulation.
- A scratch at the release end, meaning the pressure was not let go.
- Making the accent with arm weight slamming down rather than a quick pinch-and-release of the index finger.
Frequently asked
What is martele?
Martele (French for hammered) is a strongly accented on-the-string stroke with a sharp bite at the start of each note followed by an immediate release of pressure as the bow travels, then a full stop before the next note. The defining features are the initial pinch and the silence between notes; notes are isolated, never blended. Martele teaches precise control of attack and release, which underlies clean accents and strong note starts everywhere. It is a standard etude stroke (Kreutzer) and a building block for staccato and other accented bowings.
How do I practice martele?
Set the bow on the string, press (pinch) to grip the string before moving, then release that extra pressure the instant the bow starts to travel. If the start is too crunchy, separate the actions: press, release, then bow, and gradually shrink the time between them into one motion. Practice short martele strokes in the upper third of the bow so each note speaks clearly and immediately. Use a scale with two martele notes per bow stroke, then build to three, four, six, and more for bow division and control. Listen for a clean stop with no scratch at the end; if you hear a scratch, you did not fully release the pressure.
How do I check my martele is working?
Record a passage that uses it and get scored on tone, evenness, and intonation, the same things a teacher listens for. The recording reveals what your ears miss in the room. Your first take is free, no signup.
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