Bow hand
My bow thumb locks
A locked bow thumb usually means the hand is using the thumb as a brace instead of a spring.
This governed route starts from what you can observe. It is source material and routing help, not a replacement for the current teacher seeing the player.
What you can observe
- bow thumb
- bow hold
- flexible thumb
First bounded action
At the balance point, make tiny horizontal strokes while the thumb stays bent enough to pulse gently.
How to check it
The thumb can change shape slightly without the bow feeling insecure.
Stop condition
Stop after five tiny strokes with a responsive thumb.
What this route cannot tell you
This route can help name an observable violin problem and choose a bounded test. It does not override the learner's current teacher or diagnose an individual player from a webpage.