A Quick Idea to Help Establish Left Hand Position
Here’s a way for beginning cellists to establish their left hand shape in first position.
The distance between B natural (1st finger) and D natural (4th finger) is a bit further than most of us might prefer and for this reason beginning players often end up bunching their fingers too closely together as they play.
As a result, the first finger would play sharp or the fourth finger would play flat since the hand shape has contracted.
I find that often the fastest way to fix a problem on the cello is by engaging my brain so that I can clearly visualize in my mind’s eye what needs to happen.
I hope this exercise helps first with establishing the correct hand position, and second -and maybe more importantly - with being able to visualize the hand shape so that eventually you can feel it simply via mental imaging.
Learn the essential music theory you actually need to begin playing with confidence—without feeling overwhelmed.
I guarantee that taking these 5 points to heart will be a tremendous boost to your learning curve.
For the vast majority of adults starting out their cello journeys, I recommend renting a cello first.
Do you feel like you don’t have enough time to get your practice in? (Or, that you’re not maximizing the precious time you have?)
