Cello & Bass Practice Resources
Below you will find images that model correct posture, bow hold, and note location on the cello and bass. These images can serve as a reference to ensure that best playing habits are being developed when practicing at home.
Cello Left Hand Posture
Correct left hand posture for cello students is shown here. Notice the the left hand and forearm are aligned and the left elbow is naturally spaced away from the body. Likewise, the left thumb is relaxed and positioned on the back of the neck behind the 2nd finger. Fingers should be curved and placed on the string at the fingertip. When on the string, fingers should be spaced evenly and placed on their corresponding finger tapes. Fingernails need to be kept short to allow fingers to be placed correctly.
Bass Left Hand Posture
Correct left hand posture for bass students is shown here. Notice the the left hand and forearm are aligned and the left elbow is naturally spaced away from the body. Likewise, the left thumb is relaxed and positioned on the back of the neck behind the 2nd finger. Fingers are not placed with equal spacing on the string, instead the 1st finger (index finger) reaches toward the ceiling while the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers are placed closer together. This should allow the 2nd finger to land halfway between the red and white finger tapes. Fingernails need to be kept short to allow fingers to be placed correctly.
Cello Bow Hold Photos:
"Beginning" Cello Bow Hold at Balance Point.
Cello bow hold showing "bumpy" thumb
"Advanced" cello bow hold at frog
Bass Bow Hold Photos:
"Beginning" bass bow hold at balance point
"Advanced" bass bow hold at frog
Bass bow hold showing "bumpy" thumb
Beginning Fingerboard Charts
The graphics to the left show the letter name and location of each note in the "D major Scale," which is our focus throughout the first semester of instruction. These notes are found on the top two strings of both instruments and are played with the number of fingers that is listed along the left side.
Fingerboard Chart continued:
The graphics to the left show the letter name and location of each note learned during the second semester of instruction. These notes span across all four strings and include notes played with only 2 fingers placed on the string. We regularly play the D major, G major, and C major scales in class using varied sequences of these notes.
