The violin bow is a tensioned stick with hair, usually from a horse’s tail, that is coated in rosin in order to create friction between it and the string. It is rubbed against the string of the violin to create vibration which ultimately emits the sound from the instrument. While bows are usually used for orchestral string instruments, they are sometimes deployed for use with other string instruments, such as the guitar (a la Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin!), as well as percussion instruments such as the musical saw.