How to Play the Cello

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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The cello has a rich and sonorous baritone sound. It serves as the foundation of the string quartet. Between eight and fifteen of these instruments in a symphony orchestra immeasurably strengthen the bass section.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Getting Started

Step1
Loosen and extend the floor peg of the cello so the cello body fits easily between your knees.
Step2
Use a pitch pipe or a piano to tune the instrument to match each string from the lowest to the topmost sounds of C - G - D - A. "A" is the top line on the bass clef staff. "C" is two ledger lines below the bass clef.
Step3
Place your right thumb at the side of the fingerboard near the bridge.
Step4
Place the pad of your index finger on top of the A string.
Step5
Apply slight pressure to the string and land on the neighboring D string. This is "plucking," or playing pizzicato.
Step6
Pluck the A string four times in a steady rhythm. Then pluck the D, G and C strings with a steady count or while using a metronome.
Step7
Speak the names of the strings each time you pluck to make a sound.
Step8
Place your left index finger three inches from the nut and your left thumb on the back of the neck.
Step9
Press the A string and pluck it. This note is "B."

Fingering

Step1
Play with spaces between the fingers of your left hand to avoid tension. Squeezing fingers together produces tension.
Step2
Play with a flat wrist. Avoid a "high arch" angle.
Step3
Let your fingers naturally angle away from the fingerboard (the pinky should be the furthest away). When you need to use a finger, move your whole arm to allow the finger to reach.
Step4
Play with the fleshier part of your fingertips, but not with flat fingers.
Step5
Open your hand when you do vibrato. Avoid squeezing your fingers together.
Step6
Change fingers by rotating your whole hand, not by poking your fingers as if typing.
Step7
Keep your wrist in line with your forearm.
Step8
Move your left arm when shifting. During a shift upward, lift your elbow first as your arm does a natural circle downward in a clockwise motion.
Step9
Release your hand and shift to the note. Use the weight of your arm to move down the fingerboard.
Step10
Allow your elbow to do a circular motion counterclockwise when shifting back. Shift back as your elbow naturally rebounds upward.

Tips & Warnings

  • Focus on the goal of knowing how each of the four strings sounds.
  • Train your ear to recognize pitch changes and the qualities of sound.
  • Sing the pitch of the string while speaking its name.
  • In pizzicato, draw the right index finger toward the palm of the hand to avoid picking the strings vertically. The string should not slap against the fingerboard.
  • Always loosen the horsehair of the bow at the frog after a playing session. An adjustment of this tightening device is an unnecessary expense at the repair shop.

Comments

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on 6/26/2007 Get a good teacher who has concert experience. Experience is vital. Don't get someone who's too inexpensive. If they're too cheap...beware of ulterior motives. Also, if they're cheap that means they're not a professional. Really, you need an expert.

Practice so long as you have good concentration. If you work after you're too tired to really think then you're just putting in time. Don't do that!

Don't practice for a half hour or an hour. Part of your mind is on the clock.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 It's impossible to learn to play an instrument from reading a few tips, or a book! You need a teacher.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Believe in your self! If you believe you are becoming a great cellist then you will become one! You should be enjoying playing the cello. If you are not, then examine your practice time and see what you need to change so you will be having fun!

chrisbs said

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on 2/12/2007 stringgearnews.blogspot.com

Good blog about cello, cello playing, instrument reviews.

I would suggest renting to start

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/29/2006 A teacher is essential, but it's important to find a good one. If you have a teacher with whom you are not happy or feel no progress, keep looking as you are learning by practicing what you have already learned.

When you find the right teacher you will know it. Follow your intuition with your relationship with the instrument and the teacher as well.

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eHow Article:  How to Play the Cello

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