The very first step in learning the cello is setting yourself up at the instrument. Sitting correctly is the very first step to playing the cello beautifully. Good posture allows freedom, balance, and a clear sound. Over many years of teaching, I’ve seen that most tone or tension problems can be traced back to how a player sits. In this lesson, I’ll guide you through finding a relaxed, natural posture so the cello feels like part of your body.
Correct Cello Sitting Position
Choose the right chair: ideally one with no arms and four legs, which works well with a spike holder. A piano stool is also an excellent choice. Avoid chairs with grooves in the seat, as they affect balance. Specialised cello chairs often tilt slightly forward, which naturally helps your pelvis into the right position.
Aim to have your pelvis slightly higher than your knees. This ensures your weight tilts slightly forward, so you could easily stand up from your chair. If your feet are too far forward, or if you lean back, you’ll lose that balance.
Find your sit bones: gently roll your pelvis forward and back until you feel weightless in your upper body, with your sit bones carrying your weight. This is the correct sitting posture. Your feet should point forward. No “penguin feet”! Keeping them aligned in a forward direction helps avoid knee problems in the long run.
Think of your sitting position as an extension of your standing balance. You’re not frozen in place; you’re simply balanced over your pelvis. Feel both feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart. If you rock gently forward and back, you’ll notice the point where your weight feels evenly supported, that’s where you want to stay. This awareness of balance will later help with smooth bowing and shifting.
Cello Posture for Beginners
The cello should connect with your body at three points:
- Against your chest, slightly to the left of centre (so the neck of the cello is close to your neck).
- Inside your right knee.
- Inside your left knee.
Adjust the endpin (spike) according to your height and chair. Experiment with cushions or different chairs if needed. For many players, the ideal position is when the cello peg is just behind the ear or brushing the neck, close enough for comfort, but not forcing the instrument away from the body.
Angle of the cello: some players prefer a shorter spike and a more vertical instrument, while others (my preference) play with a slightly longer spike and a more forward angle, which frees the neck and encourages natural weight flow into the instrument.
Try this: play an open string while slightly changing your sitting angle. Notice how the sound and ease of bowing change when you find your most balanced position.
Balance on the Floor
Imagine a small triangle on the floor: one point is your left foot, one is your right, and the third is where the cello spike rests. The cello should rest comfortably within this triangle, centred so that you can move freely to either side. Avoid placing the spike too far to one side, as it disturbs your weight balance.
With this setup, the cello feels secure and balanced, and your hands remain free to focus on playing. From the very first notes, you’ll be able to enjoy the sound without struggling against the instrument.
Developing good posture is a lifelong habit. Even professional cellists constantly check how they’re sitting and how freely their arms can move. Take a moment before each practice to check your balance and comfort. It’s the foundation of everything that follows.