Your left hand is responsible for pressing down the strings on the fingerboard to change pitch. From the very beginning, it is important to set up the hand correctly so that your playing is comfortable, accurate, and free of unnecessary tension.
The C-Shape
Thumb Position
Finger Placement and Weight
Adjusting for Different Strings
Finding First Finger in First Position
A First Tune (watch the video)
Once you can place your first finger accurately, you already have enough notes to play simple songs. Try Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star using open strings and first fingers only. Experiment with different string combinations:
This is a fun way to reinforce finger placement while beginning to make real music.
The C-Shape
- Hold your arm out and let the fingers curl naturally into a rounded C-shape.
- From the elbow to the thumb, imagine a straight line. The thumb is relaxed and slightly bent; the fingers form strong arches, like the cello’s bridge.
- Avoid collapsing knuckles, especially the large “third knuckles.” Keep them rounded and lifted, not sunken inwards.
Thumb Position
- The thumb simply rests behind the neck of the cello, opposite the fingers.
- It provides light support but should never press upwards. Think of it as gently “caressing” the neck, never squeezing.
Finger Placement and Weight
- Fingers drop vertically onto the strings, sinking down with natural weight, like pressing into a soft mattress.
- The thumb remains passive; all the action comes from the fingers and arm weight above.
- Too little pressure produces a buzzing, surface sound. Too much pressure creates strain. Aim for the point where the note rings clearly with minimum effort.
Adjusting for Different Strings
- The cello’s fingerboard is curved, mirroring the bridge.
- To reach each string comfortably, adjust your elbow height:
- A and D strings: moderate angle, about 45 degrees.
- G string: raise the elbow slightly higher.
- C string: elbow lifted further, almost level with the ground, so the fingers drop straight onto the string.
Finding First Finger in First Position
- On the A string, first finger plays B (about 6 cm, or just over 2 inches, from the nut).
- Each string has its own first-finger note:
- A string → B
- D string → E
- G string → A
- C string → D
- Use a tuner app to check intonation. When the needle is centred on the pitch (with no numbers above or below), your finger is in the right spot.
A First Tune (watch the video)
Once you can place your first finger accurately, you already have enough notes to play simple songs. Try Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star using open strings and first fingers only. Experiment with different string combinations:
- D and A strings (bright)
- G and D strings (middle register)
- C and G strings (deep, weighty sound)
This is a fun way to reinforce finger placement while beginning to make real music.