Détaché

Détaché is the basic bowing technique where each note receives its own bow stroke, but with sustained tone (not bounced or shortened). The bow alternates between up- and down-strokes; the sound is firm and connected within each stroke but clearly articulated between notes.

Détaché is the standard bowing for many fast passages where neither legato (single bow stroke for many notes) nor spiccato (bouncing bow) is wanted. The character is firm, articulated, and rhythmically definite. Most scale passages and running figures in string repertoire are played détaché.

Variations exist: grand détaché (broader, more weighted strokes), petit détaché (smaller, lighter strokes near the middle of the bow), and louré (slurred détaché, with multiple notes per bow but each clearly articulated).

French, past participle of détacher (‘to detach’), from Old French destachier.

Maintain consistent bow weight and speed for all strokes. The détaché is about clean separation between notes within sustained tone — it is not staccato (too short) or legato (no separation).