The fourth finger (pinky) is the weakest of the left-hand fingers, but it is essential for playing scales, melodies, and patterns smoothly. While it feels like a stretch at first, practising with care will make it stronger and more reliable over time.
Cello vs Piano Fingering
On the piano, fingers are numbered 1–5, with the thumb as 1. On the cello, the thumb is never counted in ordinary playing. Instead, we use 1–4, with the pinky as the fourth finger. Always remember: cello fingering is different from piano fingering.
Hand Strength and Anatomy
Spacing and Position
Notes with the Fourth Finger
Here are the notes you gain by adding the 4th finger in first position:
Notice that the 4th finger often plays the same note as the next open string:
This is a helpful pattern to check intonation and reinforce hand spacing.
Playing Tips
A Familiar Tune (watch the video)
With open strings, plus 1st, 3rd, and 4th fingers, you can already play simple melodies. Try one you know, first with pizzicato, then with the bow. Focus on keeping the hand shape relaxed while stretching to the 4th finger.
Cello vs Piano Fingering
On the piano, fingers are numbered 1–5, with the thumb as 1. On the cello, the thumb is never counted in ordinary playing. Instead, we use 1–4, with the pinky as the fourth finger. Always remember: cello fingering is different from piano fingering.
Hand Strength and Anatomy
- Fingers 1 and 2 have their own tendons, so they feel naturally stronger.
- Fingers 3 and 4 share a tendon, which is why they often feel weaker and less independent.
- To help, beginners are encouraged to place the third and fourth fingers down together for extra support.
Spacing and Position
- The distance between the 3rd and 4th fingers is about 3 cm.
- In first position, this requires a natural stretch – something we don’t often do in everyday life. With practice, the hand will adapt.
- Always keep the knuckles lifted in a rounded C-shape. Avoid collapsing the pinky joint.
Notes with the Fourth Finger
Here are the notes you gain by adding the 4th finger in first position:
- A string: A (open), B (1st), C♯ (3rd), D (4th)
- D string: D (open), E (1st), F♯ (3rd), G (4th)
- G string: G (open), A (1st), B (3rd), C (4th)
- C string: C (open), D (1st), E (3rd), F (4th)
Notice that the 4th finger often plays the same note as the next open string:
- 4th finger D on the A string = open D string
- 4th finger G on the D string = open G string
- 4th finger C on the G string = open C string
This is a helpful pattern to check intonation and reinforce hand spacing.
Playing Tips
- Think of walking the fingers: transfer weight from 1 → 3 → 4, instead of pressing them all down at once.
- Keep the thumb soft and relaxed, never pressing upward. Test this by wiggling the thumb freely behind the neck.
- Imagine your fingers sinking gently into a mattress, enough weight to make the note clear, without squeezing.
A Familiar Tune (watch the video)
With open strings, plus 1st, 3rd, and 4th fingers, you can already play simple melodies. Try one you know, first with pizzicato, then with the bow. Focus on keeping the hand shape relaxed while stretching to the 4th finger.