Cello Basics
The complete foundation. Learn posture, bow hold, first position, and essential techniques.
Chapters in this series
Cello Basics Intro: About Me & My Cello Teaching Videos
I’m delighted to introduce my new series of cello instructional videos, designed to support players at every stage of their learning.
Cello Basics 01: How to Sit Properly with the Cello
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.
Cello Basics 02: Understanding the Parts of the Cello & Bow
Before we can make music, it helps to really know our instrument. Every piece of wood, metal, and string on the cello has a purpose.
Cello Basics 03: About Your Bow & Rosin
Understand how your bow works, what rosin does, and how to apply and care for it properly.
Cello Basics 04: How to Hold the Bow
Learn how to form a natural and relaxed cello bow hold, building the foundation for all bowing techniques.
Cello Basics 05: Bow Hand Exercises
Strengthen your right hand and fingers with simple exercises to improve control and flexibility in your bow hold.
Cello Basics 06: Open Strings & Pizzicato
Discover how to pluck the open strings using pizzicato while learning string names and hand positioning.
Cello Basics 07: Introduction to First Position
Learn what first position is on the cello and how to begin placing your fingers correctly on the fingerboard.
Cello Basics 08: Starting the Left Hand, C-Shape & 1st Finger Placement
Begin shaping your left hand properly on the cello with the all-important C-shape, and learn how to place the 1st finger with control and accuracy.
Cello Basics 09: Introducing the 3rd Finger on the Cello
Build strength and accuracy with your 3rd finger and understand how it fits into the left-hand shape.
Cello Basics 10: Introducing the 4th Finger on the Cello
Learn how to use your pinky finger (4th finger) on the cello and strengthen its placement and control.
Cello Basics 11: Introducing the 2nd Finger on the Cello
Understand how to place the 2nd finger in both high and low positions and how it relates to accidentals.
Cello Basics 12: Understanding Bow Angles
Learn how to bow with the correct angle on each string to produce a clean and even sound.
Cello Basics 13: Bow Contact Points Explained
Discover how the point where your bow touches the string affects tone, volume, and control.
Cello Basics 14: Your Bow Arm
Explore the role of the entire bow arm - from shoulder to fingers - and how to move it efficiently and without tension.
Cello Basics 15: Separate Bows vs. Slurred Bowing
Learn the difference between separate bows and slurs, and how to practise both clearly and musically.
Cello Basics 16: Changing Bow Direction
Work on smooth bow changes from down to up bow, keeping the sound even and controlled.
Cello Basics 17: String Crossings
Learn how to move cleanly from one string to another without unwanted noise or hitting other strings.
Cello Basics 18: Bow Retakes
Understand how to lift and reset the bow silently between repeated down bows and keep the rhythm steady.
Cello Basics 19: Bow Distribution
Learn how to divide the bow effectively based on rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing, using Frère Jacques and Chinese Garden as examples.
Cello Basics 20: Introduction to Staccato
Learn how to play clear, detached staccato bow strokes on the cello. This lesson covers full-arm and wrist staccato and how to control the start and stop of each note.
Cello Basics 21: Introduction to Legato
This lesson introduces legato playing on the cello, creating smooth, connected notes using controlled bow technique. Perfect for beginners learning to shape more expressive phrasing.
Cello Basics 22: Tuning Your Cello
Learn how to tune your cello accurately using a smartphone app and fine adjusters for a clear, balanced sound every time.
Cello Basics 23: First Scale - G Major Scale
In this lesson, we learn how to play your very first scale in the Cello Basics series: the G major scale.
Cello Basics 24: How to Play Twinkle Twinkle
In this lesson, we learn how to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the cello. his beginner-friendly piece helps you develop smooth string crossings, clear bow circles, and confident separate-bow legato.
Cello Basics 25: How to Play Happy Birthday
Learn how to play Happy Birthday on the cello using all four left-hand fingers, clear string crossings, bow distribution, and upbeat phrasing. This lesson walks through each phrase step by step, including bow circles, fingering, and practice ideas.
Cello Basics 26: How to Play Chinese Garden
Learn to play "Chinese Garden" on the cello featuring the unique col legno technique, 2nd finger positions, and legato bowing in the Dorian mode.
Cello Basics 27: How to Play Cowboy
Master the "swung" rhythm, left-hand pizzicato, and the "quick draw" transition between Arco and Pizzicato in this fun piece from It's a Cello Thing.
Cello Basics 28: How to Play Barynya
Explore the wild energy of Russian folk dance with "Barynya." This lesson focuses on G Minor patterns, "double up-bow" articulation, and syncopated rhythms.
Cello Basics 29: How to Play Wheelbarrow Race
Play with brilliance in "Wheelbarrow Race." Learn how to execute crisp accents, manage difficult dynamic changes, and lead a piano duet using a "sniff" or air-bow.
Cello Basics 30: How to Play Floating in Time
Learn to play my piece Floating in Time in the style adagio cantabile in 6/8 time. Focus on smooth string crossings, the "gluey" legato stroke, and controlling the volume of open strings.