Mastering Slurred Bowing: Why It Matters

Slurred bowing or playing several notes in a single bow stroke is essential for creating a smooth, flowing sound on the violin. It trains you to control bow speed, pressure, and placement while maintaining an even tone from one string to the next. This skill is the foundation for expressive legato playing and will help you shape phrases more beautifully, whether in lyrical melodies or fast, fluid runs.

5 Recommended Études for Slurred Bowing

1. Kayser Étude No. 8, Op. 20

Short to medium slurs that connect melodic lines. Ideal for beginners to practice smooth bow changes, even tone, and control across the bow.

2. Mazas Étude No. 3, Op. 36 Book 1

Gentle, lyrical lines with slightly longer slurs. Helps develop fluidity, consistent tone, and natural legato between strings.

3. Mazas Étude No. 13, Op. 36 Book 1

Focuses on longer, flowing slurs and melodic shaping. Perfect for practicing bow distribution and expressive legato over multiple notes.

4. Dont Étude No. 9, Op. 38

Smooth, connected slurs in scale-like passages. Great for refining bow control, tone consistency, and fluid legato phrasing.

5. Fiorillo Étude No. 28

Long, sustained slurs with frequent string crossings and shifts. Ideal for advanced intermediate players working on legato, tone stability, and expressive phrasing.