Understanding the basics
Before diving into the proper way of holding a cello, it’s important to understand the basics of the instrument. It’s a musical instrument that’s part of the string family, typically made of wood and played while seated. The cello has four strings, which are typically tuned to C-G-D-A. The instrument is placed on the ground and leaned forward, so its neck is resting against your left shoulder.
Positioning the cello
The first step in proper cello holding is ensuring it’s positioned correctly. Start by standing the cello on the endpin. Then, sit at the edge of a chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the ground. Put the cello between your feet, so it’s almost touching the inside of your knees. If needed, adjust the endpin to suit your height. To check if you’re in the right position, the upper edge of the cello’s bout should rest against your chest.
Proper hand placement
Your non-dominant hand is responsible for holding the cello’s neck. The hand should be pointed upwards, and the fingers wrapped around the fingerboard. Your thumb should rest on the back of the neck opposite to the second finger, while the first finger should be close to the scroll. Let your remaining fingers fall naturally between these two spots. The hand should feel relaxed but keep your fingers slightly curved, as this will make it easier to press down on the strings.
Bow holding
Your dominant hand is responsible for holding the cello’s bow. Take the bow in your hand and make sure that you have a relaxed grip. The thumb is at the bottom of the bow, and the other fingers are on the frog. Keep in mind that you need to hold the bow straight and move it parallel to the bridge. Always use rosin on the bow’s first inch (about 2.5 cm) to get a better grip on the strings.
Practice with patience
Proper cello holding takes a bit of practice to get comfortable. Take your time, remember to keep your body relaxed, and don’t force the instrument into a comfortable position. Aim to find a natural posture that feels comfortable and allows you to produce better sound. Remember that frequent practice is the key to mastering cello holding, and you’ll quickly see improvement with time.
