Which term denotes using the wood of the bow on the strings?

• A. Arco
• B. Pizzicato
• C. Col Legno
• D. Tremolo

Answer: (C)

Col legno means “with the wood” and denotes using the wood part of the bow against the strings. This creates a distinct, percussive sound texture rather than the normal bowed tone produced by the hair of the bow. There are variations—col legno battuto involves striking the strings with the wood, while col legno tratto involves drawing the wood across the strings for a raspier effect. This technique is used for dramatic color in orchestral writing. Arco means play with the bow as usual using the hair; pizzicato means pluck the strings with the fingers; tremolo refers to rapid repetition of a note, usually with fast bow strokes or quick plucking, not specifically wood-on-string contact. Therefore, the term describing using the wood of the bow on the strings is col legno.