My Musical Saw Tips

There are many different ways to play a musical saw. The above is a method is the one I find most comfortable, but I’m sure there are other ways.

·       As you change the note you must move the bow up or down the blade. Changing the formation of the “S” shape effectively moves the positions of your virtual strings. If you don’t move the bow, you may cross or change strings. The effect is like an adolescent voice breaking where one moment you are playing very low then suddenly you are playing very high. Complete masters of the saw will manipulate this to make perfect musical leaps or play chords by starting a note on two separate strings. I’ve not completely mastered either technique yet, but I'm getting there.

·        I know some saw players who, after playing each note, lift their bow off the saw. This has the advantages of giving you a nice clear note, but the sound disappears very quickly and further disadvantages become apparent when you place the bow back on the blade. Sometimes a ricochet, which is often caused by nerves in a public performance, will spoil that perfect sound. As a violinist I have always been taught to keep the bow in the string (or on the blade in this case). This gives you the advantages of a consistent and controllable volume. Rapidly moving the bow backwards and forwards will help you to increase the volume, which is very useful if you are playing as part of an ensemble.

·        The bow can also be used as a damper to kill the note while you are playing. I do this in two ways:

1.      Putting additional pressure on the blade, but not moving the bow.

2.      Raising or lowering the bow on the blade.

·        To help control nervous vibrato, try making a wooden wedge to place under your right foot. It should lift the back of the foot to the perfect vibrato height, in my case about 3-4cm.

·        Keep the saw clean and the bow well rosined as this will help to create a loud pure sound. It also reduces the risk of you fingers getting sticky from the resin.

If you want further assistance you may contact me through my email address yorkshiresawplayer@playthesaw.co.uk . 

Good luck & Best wishes

Charles Hindmarsh