Punta d’arco

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the string staff as punta d’arco, sometimes preceded by a or alla, at the passage to be played at the bow’s tip. It holds until another bow-placement or bowing word (al tallone, ord.).

Also spelled: punta d'arco

How Composers Use It

The tip of the bow gives a light, delicate sound with little weight — ideal for soft, quick détaché, tremolo and gentle staccato — and cannot produce heavy accents. It pairs naturally with pp, and ethereal string tremolos are often marked this way. Mark where the normal bow resumes.

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