Griffbrett

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a string part, alone or as “am Griffbrett”, abbreviated “Griffbr.”, and often combined with a string or character word (“G-Saite, Griffbrett!”). It stays in force until cancelled by gewöhnlich (gew.), or by the Italian ord. or nat.

Abbreviations: Griffbr.

How Composers Use It

The German for sul tasto: bowing over the fingerboard thins the upper partials, giving a soft, veiled, flute-like tone. It belongs at p and below — the sound will not project at f — and blends well under a melody or in quiet transitions. Mahler pairs it with singing lines (singend, then Griffbrett a bar later) to keep intensity without brightness. Mark the return to normal bowing clearly.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, fourth movement (Adagietto), second violins, m. 33: “Griffbrett” beside “espress.”, at p, falling to pp the next bar.

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