What affects dynamics when playing a stringed instrument?

• A. The instrument color
• B. The tempo of the piece
• C. The bow angle and wrist motion
• D. The speed and pressure of the bow

Answer: (D)

Dynamics on a stringed instrument come from how you use the bow. The most direct way to control loudness is the speed of the bow and the pressure you apply with it. Faster bow movement and greater bow pressure transfer more energy to the string, making the note louder. Slower bow speed or lighter pressure yields a softer sound. Tempo, which is how fast the music moves, doesn’t determine volume. Instrument color doesn’t affect dynamics. Bow angle and wrist motion influence tone color and articulation, and can affect how heard a note is, but the primary factor controlling dynamic level is the speed and pressure of the bow.