Cello Lesson: 5 Most Common Mistakes (left hand)

[@LorenzoDeLeon]

I really love your no nonsense approach. And specially the fact that, unlike 90% on online teachers, you don’t repeat the same idea 20 times with different words to make the video unnecessarily longer ! You go straight to the point, deliver value, and good bye. Thanks a lot for that

[@DoublestopMusic]

Thank you Laurent!

[@tz8662]

Thanks, I am self taught ( I also play Erhu-a Chinese instrument), I always play 1,3,4 instead 1,2,4, I will correct it from now on.

[@jessedasilva313]

Thaaangs!!! Greetings from Brazil

[@DoublestopMusic]

Greetings! Thanks for watching!

[@MiltRodgers]

Hand hanging off the fingerboard is a revelation for me

[@tmilesstringwizards2445]

Hey, Maki. Thanks. Big big topics, and clean understandable explanations for rank amateurs like me.

[@DoublestopMusic]

Thank you for watching, Terry! I am glad you find this video helpful. Stay tuned for more!

[@asteria1575]

All your tips is what I really needed! Very brief but effective explanation which hooks me up from watching from start to end. As a beginner in cello, I really understood all of this. Thank you so much!

[@VicSinclair2000]

The extension tip really helped me, no teacher ever mentioned that before.

[@PTCello]

Everything is correct, but there are some caveats, if I may. The shape of the hand is different when you’re playing slow, where the goal is sound, and when you’re playing fast, where the goal is clean efficiency. Collapsed fingers are fine if you’re playing, a slow note or a slow phrase. Being relaxed allows that transition. Second, both of your shifts were appropriate. Where to shift in the available time is determined by the needs of the music. There is no “one shift fits all.” Sometimes you want to shift as late as possible in the available time, sometimes you want to shift as early as possible in the available time. Your shift from the Tchaikovsky illustrates that, because either would have been fine. Finally, the success of a fourth finger extension is largely dependent on the size of the fourth finger. I don’t do 3-4 extensions in first position because my hand is not quite large enough, but with anything above first, a 3-4 extension is a valid solution. 2-3 extensions are the most awkward, but even they have their place. Regarding relaxing the thumb, you are exactly correct. Over at cello chat I read an extensive methodology that included a bit on isometric exercises between the thumb and the first finger to train strength in the thumb so that it could push up effectively on the neck. Incredibly wrong. Everything you said about the thumb is spot on. Overall, an excellent video. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.

[@xxbstpagexx]

Your videos are excellent - brief, loaded with examples and demonstrations that really drive the points home. Thank you very much for creating and posting.

[@ArturoSernaMusic]

loved the cupcake pancakes analogy!

[@JSWilliamssr]

I'm gonna moan a little. Absolutely every teacher wants to tell us about the mistakes we may be making. Now, to some degree that is helpful. But what would be much better would be to simply tell us the right way to do it.

[@MiltRodgers]

id also like to know why the "right way" is the right way. what is to be acheived by doing it the way a teacher claims is the right way.

[@DoublestopMusic]

Hi Milt, I think that's a fair question. To put it as simply as possible, in beginner to intermediate cello pedagogy our primary (and often most difficult) goal is to set up someone to play without excess tension, or in other words, good form. Too much tension leads to bad sound, reduced control, injury and pain. Due to the difficulty of the cello, bad form also creates hard ceilings that the student can't progress beyond until they find the source and fix it. In this case, "right" and "wrong" aren't philosophical labels, but a way to say which direction a habit will push us - towards rigidness, tension and difficulty, or towards relaxed, easier playing. For this video I picked a few uncontroversial fixes to ubiquitious technique problems. That being said, we intentionally break these rules all the time in order to achieve certain effects or styles (flat fingers for wider vibrato, fast shifts for cleanliness or to emphasize a note, pinching thumb when arm weight is not enough to hold down an awkward chord etc.), but I think it's always important to master a healthy foundation and know what rules we are breaking. Finally, there are people out there that play with tons tension and still manage to sound fantastic - while I'd imagine being more relaxed would always help, if it works for them, it works for them!

[@jorisArt]

I’ve reviewed this a few times. It’s so good. Thanks

[@crabmar]

Thanks for all the tips! I am a beginner struggling with almost everything (sadly), hopefully practice makes perfect.

[@globalstringsalliance3529]

Thank you for sharing! We wanted to let you know that we have added this video to one of our playlists on our KZbin channel. We also would love to invite you to join our online community: facebook.com/groups/globalstringsalliance

[@adelawu8651]

I love your Cello lessons. Every your video is so helpful! Much appreciate.

[@edsayson8158]

Thank you sir..❤

[@marcnevins9491]

Thank you, that was helpful.

[@Ga7atTown]

thank you! That is so true about 4th finger extension ... caused me a lot of wrist pain

[@katewalker1102]

Super helpful tools. Love cupcakes not pancakes, etc. what is the flat black thing that appears to be attached to the back of your cello?

[@DoublestopMusic]

Thanks Kate! The thingy is a felt pad that protects the back of the cello from wear and tear from rubbing against my shirt, especially buttons. Not necessary for most people, but my cello is pretty old so I try to preserve the varnish as much as possible.

[@meiyara.manawari]

wow, im self-learning that’s why videos like this are super helpful!! had lessons before (an old musician), but quitted. but once i can consistently practice for 3 months, i promised myself to get a teacher soon 🤗 i hope i can get a teacher like u. classical music teachers are hard to find in my city though 😅

[@stuntdouble777]

Great tips🎉

[@stephenedwardleemusic8997]

thank You !!

[@et_cetera_]

This is so informative and clear. Your delivery and format are excellent. Very excited about this channel.

[@DoublestopMusic]

Thanks Matt!

[@j0nrages851]

This really is helping me as I try to work off bad habits. My pinky is super weak after collapsing it to get louder/better tone for years. Definitely appreciate the reference and tips

[@tomglase5333]

omg. I know NOTHING,

[@skylark5789]

...the beginning of wisdom, they say !

[@pabloperalta6254]

You just said what I needed with the extensions. Now I get it. Thanksssss!!!!!

[@anti-totalitariangang5747]

I’m a left handed guitarist thinking about getting a cello. I read online there is not left-right handed cellos, so I’m wondering if I could use my right hand on the stings and have the bow in my left.🤷🏼‍♂️

[@leighplayscello9330]

Hoo boy, didn't occur to me to make sure hand angle was consistent... i better check that later xD

[@nns6356]

Love this lecture! I'm practicing alone but having trouble with left hand pain. This is definitely going to help me out. Thanks! 1:55 Me: (actually, that looks quite easy, I'm gonna try that out) Maki: My fingers are actually completely hooked and the string never actually touches the fingerboard. Me: WHAT???????????????????????

[@GraceLYYstories]

thank you for your concise tips! im a beginner cello player.!

[@brniesenders4288]

Thanks for posting. I'm on week one and these five tips saved me from developing some horrible habits. Great video!

[@thechisensei]

thanks, Maki! your video is concise and clear .. like how it should be done. 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@nightcoreyuno]

I'm left handed and i'm struggling more with my bow holding. My right hand hurts easily when i play and i can't seem to get it right. My teacher says it's correct but why does my hand hurt after playing like 5 notes?

[@DoublestopMusic]

Hmm your bow hand definitely shouldn't hurt! What part of it specifically is in pain? We do have a video on bow hold and sound production, may I suggest you try taking a look and see if you catch any solutions?

[@nightcoreyuno]

@@DoublestopMusic yeah i should, thanks for the advice! Oh and my thumb hurts, maybe i can't loosen it up correctly

[@DoublestopMusic]

Ok - make sure you work out the difference between a "supported" thumb, which is used in the upper half of the bow, and a "squeezing" thumb, which you generally shouldn't be doing! I think it's in the video though.

[@kencarpenter2785]

Thank you! I would enjoy hearing your suggestions on playing clean double stops!

[@bricemadden5717]

very good! Thank you!! this really helps me with my students!

[@krpadraig7562]

Such helpful tips, thank you for sharing your expertise Maki.

[@jorisArt]

I played cello for 18 months, and then had to stop playing for two months because I developed tendinitis in my left elbow. I am just beginning again and trying to get my technique straight. Any advice? I don't want to injure myself again. (And thanks for a great video, I've taken notes and will go through your points with my instrument).

[@DoublestopMusic]

Hi Joris, so sorry to hear about this, and I hope you're able to keep the injury at bay. It's too hard to judge without seeing you play, and I'm not too familiar with the causes of tennis elbow, but let me bring up some common problems that might be contributing. 1) This might seem obvious, but is the wrist is bent when playing? A trick I use is to draw an imaginary line from the elbow through the wrist to the pinky knuckle. This line should more or less stay straight all the time. The straight supported wrist will also help with hanging the left arm off the cello properly. 2) Is the forearm is unnecessarily rotated? The "ski jumps" in this video will double check the proper angle of the hand. 3) Will you stay vigilant on if the hand ever "clamps down" onto the neck? (again, getting the string down by hanging off the neck is what prevents this). 4) The bicep does help with keeping the arm shape supported (in order to let the arm hang off the cello as a single unit), but it should NOT actively participate (with exceptions that likely won't apply to you). So I would try checking if my bicep is pulling the forearm in unnecessarily. If this doesn't help, feel free to reach out to us at [e-mail] and we can talk more! Thanks, Maki

[@TheBereangirl]

"cupcakes not pancakes" 😂 that really spoke to me, because I love baking and cooking. Just got my cello last night, @50 I'm excited to be on this life long journey with the most beautiful instrument ever created...at long last.❤️

[@DoublestopMusic]

Best of luck!!

[@yfzhang5306]

Brilliant. Very helpful tips!

[@Adam-lq1yn]

thank you helpful video

[@maddoxhechler8196]

Hahahahaha!!! I watched you perform at the southwest music festival in Las cruces nm I’m glad you like our beans! It was so amazing to watch you and the rest of the ensemble!!

[@DoublestopMusic]

Thanks for coming!!!

[@danielesantimaria]

Who are you, the perfect guy?

[@a.semihbirel]

Thank you for your advice

[@dragtv2251]

helpful video but the audio balance makes the video intense to watch. i had to crank it to hear the speaking but then when you started playing the cello it was SO loud, and its super late at night so i'm sure that didn't help haha

[@DoublestopMusic]

Sorry about that! Tried fixing it on the new video, hopefully it won't blast your speakers this time!

[@KNadoli]

I would like to say, personally for 4th finger extensions, i try to use my elbow in conjunction with my other fingers, as my natural handspan is fairly average. So using the elbow to guide the thumb and other fingers works for me. Does this seem like useful advice to you?

[@DoublestopMusic]

Hi Krishna, I'd agree - since the elbow, wrist and thumb are all connected, guiding with the elbow is a great way to encourage the hand to move as a unit rather than reaching over with the pinky. In fact, the elbow should always move as a result of extending up anyway. Thanks for sharing the useful tip!

[@KNadoli]

@@DoublestopMusic Np

[@DityaSangGita]

Great tips, love it, thanks. But I have one question. When vibrating pinky especially on 4th position, I often flatten my 3rd finger to support the pinky do the vibrato. None of my teachers ever mentioned this, so I'd like to know what's your opinion about this. Looking forward to hearing from you. 🙏

[@DoublestopMusic]

Yes, thanks for the question! The "curved finger setup" is just a default rule to be broken whenever necessary. Vibrating expressively with the 4th finger is a good example where it's totally ok to flatten the pinky and/or support with the 3rd finger. Usually it's in a slow tempo so you have plenty of time to move to other notes. Of course if the passage is really quick (like a really fast scale up past 4th position), you might have trouble being accurate with flat fingers. The key is obey and break these rules intentionally.

[@DityaSangGita]

@@DoublestopMusic wow what a prompt reply. Many thanks, Maki. It's very useful. And yes, I do flattened 3rd finger supporting pinky only when playing slow pieces. But I just let the 3rd finger curved when doing pieces like 'the swan' where I have to vibrate 4th finger and 3th finger right after

[@teatotaller2924]

Thank you! This is one of the only helpful videos out there! I can't afford lessons yet so I'm teaching myself atm, I have a few questions which I'm hoping you can help with. . 1: I have been trying hard to keep on my fingertips but it hurts to play because I'm pressing so hard to get a good sound and they end up with sore bruises (they're purple and I've lost my feeling in them occasionally and I still can't get a good sound), am I doing something wrong? . 2: my first finger always bends inward when I play it alone and it makes it hard to shift. I just can't loosen my hand because of how hard I have to press on the board my hand keeps falling backwards and flat :/ . 3: is my hand supposed to tilt or be in-line with the board? Some people were saying to tilt my hand inward, but that doesn't sound right.

[@DoublestopMusic]

Hey thanks for the great questions! 1. It should only take 1-2 lbs of arm weight to get the string down to the fingerboard - you CERTAINLY shouldn't have to get bruises. How high are your strings? I'd check to make sure your problem isn't caused by the cello setup. Let me know what the distance of the A string is in millimeters around first position, as well as halfway up the fingerboard. 2. This is common. The solution is simply to build joint strength over time by re-curving the fingers every time they collapse. But you'll have to solve problem 1 first for sure. 3. The answer changes depending on the shape of your hand and the exact passage you're playing, but my default is to have the hand perpendicular to the fingerboard. To find out, hook all 4 fingers lightly onto a string and trace up and down (from first position to close to the end of the fingerboard). Let the thumb hang wherever it naturally hangs. Find the most comfortable angle where you feel like all 4 fingers are balanced the entire way, and that should give you the angle that works best for your body. Some people advise tilting the hand back towards the first finger, but you should only do that if it gives you the most relaxed hand. For many it causes a small amount of tension.

[@teatotaller2924]

@@DoublestopMusic Thanks for the advice! This really helps! First position is 3mm and halfway on the fingerboard is about 6mm. I hope I measured in the right places lol

[@DoublestopMusic]

@@teatotaller2924 Ok those measurements aren't insane or anything, so you should be fine if you figure out how to keep your thumb just TOUCHING the neck. You may also want to make sure your fingers aren't outstretched, as that can force you to pinch. If you touch the tips of your middle finger and thumb together to form a ring, that's more or less desired shape. Another way to check is to make sure the palm isn't more than an inch away from the neck when your fingers are sitting on the A string. Good luck!

[@teatotaller2924]

@@DoublestopMusic thanks for the tips! I'll definitely try that!

[@MrAkifusion]

Lame.

[@Jasonxxx-uv4be]

really helpful thanks