When bowing, sometimes I get a hard cracking sound when bowing very very slowly. It sounds like the string is trying to vibrate. Also, while bowing, sometimes the string hits what seems like 2 or 3 octaves higher. Like the sound is squeaking out, or some crazy overtone is being hit. What am I doing wrong?

Hi Mark, I presume you have just started. the way to avoid the scratchy sound is be gentle with the bow, not to use any energy on the bow but guide the bow away and keep going. same goes to bring back the bow ( Inward). if the bow gets stuck a tiny bit, you will make a scratchy sound. Regarding hit 1 octave higher place with the bow. you should not do that is you stick your bow on the drum surface. the horse hair and the string and the top of the drum should alway be contacted while you play, that is the best way to play and when you played better, this position will give you the best tone. remember, when the right hand guide the bow in and out, the bow should always be 90 degrees with the string. means the right hand is not holding up or drop downwards. I hope this helps.