An IMPORTANT SKILL for EVERY CELLO PLAYER | Essential Skills of Cello

[@beartrackwoods4720]

Hi Jonathan! My wife and I are completely new to the cello world. We just received our new cello. I like your videos and here is why. You explain step by step in a very clear voice and terminology . I can tell you have been playing cello for many years. I'd like to thank you for your shearing knowledge

[@CelloCoach]

Welcome to the Journey. It's long and sometimes frustrating but ever so cathartic and healing at times.

[@sandraleefuller]

OMG! YOU ARE AN AWESOME TEACHER. I AM SO GLAD I FOUND YOU.....by accident, I might add....I follow you now on purpose!. P!ease keep posting lessons.

[@brittanuriahwenn8241]

Hi, I just received my Cello last week and started with my first steps. your tutorial are very helpful to understand what I am going to do and keeps me practising with control, thanks so much for your tiny detailed information, not easy to find anywhere else

[@Riverwulfe]

trying to get back into playing cello after 10 years off, and this is super helpful. also gotta love nisekoi haha

[@RobManser77]

I’m the same. I started and played for four years, then met my wife and stopped. That was ten years ago, and I’ve just started again.

[@TheBluetoo99]

You should have so MANY more views. Thanks so much for your brilliant, concise and clear explanations - from a mature absolute beginner.

[@CelloCoach]

Thank you, TheBlueToo99. Honestly, this channel is about engagement, not" oh look at me". I share my 20 years of unique pedagogy and experience with whomever find it useful. I've never cared too much about views, as long as these videos are changing peoples lives positively, with precise, pointed techniques and talks. It's worked, all of this, in real life with cellists of all ages and skill levels, so what you are getting is the continued amalgamation of my passion for helping you (and the next cello player) arrive one step closer to your dream of playing cello.

[@leticiacantu5588]

I made a wax ball the circumference of thumb tip to second finger tip. I embedded a chopstick tangent to the sphere with tangency under the second finger tip. Gripping the ball firmly, the other three fingers were free to place along the chopstick at different spacing while gripping the sphere with second and crotch and thumb.

[@fredvonbreuer6998]

Ganz intelligente Bemerkungen, die im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes "auf der Hand liegen". Chapeau und viele Grüße aus Deutschland...

[@CelloCoach]

Danke!

[@knucklesprayer]

Hey Jonathan! I just got a Cello as a BD present, i haven't play cello since I moved to China, almost for 5 years, i'm trying to get back and oh boy i love your videos! Thank you so much!

[@WoodaPeople]

Thanks Jonathan for a super helpful video! The same day I viewed it I was able to help a student see a different way to think about shifting.

[@CelloCoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sujatmikopujitono2145]

Your videos are a lottt more helpfull and clear than my teacher. Thank you!

[@CelloCoach]

Glad to hear that!

[@patrickwood9724]

These lessons are appreciated and most helpful! Thank you.

[@josephnappi9446]

Liked this video a lot because it provides consistency in fingering as opposed to my helter-skelter method. Do you have any videos or give lessons about playing along with classic rock songs. I'm talking about drifting in and out of the song playing background or harmony - not lead. If you listen closely to a lot of popular songs cellos and violins provide fullness to the music as background instruments. There is no sheet music showing what they are playing. I started the cello about a year ago and violin about four months ago. The best I can come up with is to play the notes in the pentatonic focusing on the root, 3rd, 5th and octave for the guitar chord being played.

[@chamallow989]

There are lots of videos about starting the cello but I have never been able to figure out where to put my thumb as they never talk about that. Thank you for this video, It was extremely helpful !

[@ElizabethShamblin]

)k, where have you been all my cello-playing life? I always have trouble with leaving my thumb behind when I shift. Thinking of it this way is very helpful! Thank you!!

[@benvoliofairbain6779]

Due to growing up doing ballet, I feel my thumb and middle finger already are a lot more drawn to each other than the others

[@CelloCoach]

😀 took me a couple of reads to understand where you were coming from, Benvolio.

[@benvoliofairbain6779]

@@CelloCoach in all honesty, it took me a couple of tries to write it down properly and eventually just hoped you'd understand 😂

[@mjcard]

Not having grown up doing ballet, could you fill me in?

[@tspark1071]

Thank you. Realized thumb and second finger is important.

[@CelloCoach]

You're welcome, tspark1071

[@karl7567]

The cello thumb position is very close to what the electric guitar/bass thumb position should be.

[@amajorseven]

Spot on.

[@CelloCoach]

Glad you agree!!

[@rousseauchristine4605]

I play now cello. In the passed I play a lot classic guitar .The result is that my left hand is very good so I can do more atencion at my right hand,the bow.(more difficult ! )

[@jensthunbo]

@@CelloCoach Classical guitarist here - I, too struggle to get my student´s left hands in ´cello position´ - I envy the vertical way you hold your instrument ;) I make beginners exercise with a pencil: Holding only with T and I, the remaining fingers are unengaged, but holding with T and M, all fingers are equally supported - again, I must envy your bow :/ Excellent video, and I hope you forgive me for ´stealing´ you tree allegory.

[@alagsgss625]

Very good! !! Cello of brazil!!!

[@deaconpladek]

I"m another 70s (senior) that is for the first time undertaking the cello. Spent time trying to learn scales and was frustrated that I could not master the positions. I came across this video with thumb and 2nd finger as required for all cello playing. Now, I shall review all the scales and not give up until I got this position movement down cold. thanks for your help on this basic truth about how to play a cello. play-on

[@notmyworld44]

It's also nothing like playing the double-bass. As a retired (38 yrs) bassist, I'm struggling with trying to unlearn bass playing techniques, and replace them with cello playing techniques. I'm especially wrestling with the new concept that the G string is where the A string was on my bass, and the A string is where the G string was on my bass. Jonathan, I'm finding your videos very inspiring and helpful.

[@CelloCoach]

Happy to help Wayne

[@tonyhayes4980]

Excellent presentation ❤

[@CelloCoach]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@imaginary5792]

Great 😍 I like it I was suffering with alighning the thumb with the first finger and feel stressed so I will try it in the next training 🌹

[@francois05]

If I'm already shifting by the second exercise of your scales book, could I buy your book on Amazon? My first cello teacher was bothered that I was eager to get into position playing, so I'm excited to see how your scales book looks., Thanks, love the channel.

[@catherinebaron163]

I love your lessons cathy from Paris France

[@CelloCoach]

Je vous en prie, Cathy!

[@seanhallahan14]

Very helpful! Very good. Thank you.

[@CelloCoach]

You're welcome!

[@andreia7x]

Thank you for your videos! I am starting to learn cello and this are very useful

[@CelloCoach]

Happy to hear that!

[@cheokjiagin7402]

I am so impressed with your knowledge. Please keep up your good videos! And you look amazing too

[@CelloCoach]

Thanks, Cheok!

[@kathleenturley1561]

I am 73 years old and have wanted to learn to play the cello all my life. Am I too old to start?

[@spudmckenzie4959]

No way. Never too late to start anything new. You should definately do it

[@nicolasribeiro7914]

You are not! In fact, nobody is too old to start learning an instrument! Its good for all ages

[@randycousineau9274]

I’m 66 and play guitar. I’ve had to learn the base Clef. Once you have that your off to the races. I’m lucky I have an amazing teacher.

[@gasparocelloman9852]

No.

[@theworkofthemosthigh]

How many years it takes to play some popular songs.

[@nishi-tjohns6792]

Thank you for uploading! Your teaching method is so useful and clear.

[@CelloCoach]

Thank you!

[@cynthiaeggebeen9789]

Thank you so much for adding these instructive videos. They really help :)

[@CelloCoach]

You are welcome, Cynthia

[@ekx5120]

Same as bass guitar! More or less the same principles. Can't wait to make the jump to cello!

[@CelloCoach]

good stuff

[@MariaMartinez-kg6ns]

Yes I'm a student thank you for your class very clear

[@chad8380]

Thank you so much for these videos. I can’t get a cello teacher in my area.

[@CelloCoach]

If you I want to learn online, send me an email

[@gardenappreciation6932]

This was so helpful! ❤❤❤

[@CelloCoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gardenappreciation6932]

Lol! I love the Romeo and Juliet reference.

[@CelloCoach]

I like it too

[@蔡瑪麗-y2j]

MTKS, please inform where to get your scale exercise books,3 mantras inspire my cello soul, thanks again.

[@juliancello4]

The best teacher ever

[@CelloCoach]

Thanks!

[@ethanfallismusicstudio6541]

Very succinct and put together. You are very precise with your words as well. Well done. I am curious to know, with your tree and branch Mantra #3, how do you teach the beginning fingerings for songs and scales. You teach such importance for that 2nd finger but too often beginning cello pieces never use it. Public school is very similar. Heterogenous classroom Technique books tend to spend many weeks solidifying songs using 3rd finger before introducing a songs with 2nd finger. I've been experimenting with starting in C major 2nd octave rather than D Major for this purpose. Have you any thoughts around this?

[@simplycello]

Great video and very inspiring for me 👍🏼

[@CelloCoach]

You are welcome, simply Cello.

[@AntKneeLeafEllipse]

MIND BLOWN

[@CelloCoach]

Cool!

[@aspenx1304]

Great video.

[@CelloCoach]

Thanks for the visit

[@maggieparkins9155]

great video! I like your triangles!

[@CelloCoach]

Thanks, Maggie

[@marrykm7342]

hey there I'm about to start learning cello. what brand or type would you recommend me to buy?

[@bencur7176]

In classical/flamenco/folk guitar (nylon string) technique, the neck of the instrument should NOT rest in the palm of the hand. The LH thumb moves according to what you are playing, e.g., chords or scales. For metal strung guitars acoustic/electric, the neck is much narrower than a classic guitar, the LH technique is very different, more like a violin. Guitarists like the cello because the LH positions (stretches) are similar.

[@CelloCoach]

You are correct! I play mostly acoustic yet have a nylon Spanish guitar, where I play with the thumb much more. The difference between all guitars, luthes, is the alignment of the thumb in order to assure proper intonation. Intonation is give on fretted instruments, hence we cello players need to be aware of our other digits. Still, I stand corrected by you, for the thumb is essential digit with non-folk guitar music ;-)

[@deadboy276]

@@CelloCoach Proper guitar technique requires thumb placement for proper intonation (though not intonation itself). Generally speaking the thumb should be parallel to the remaining digits on the backside of the neck, nearly identical to the cello. You will find a certain (though minimal) pressure is applied, but the primary reason is for maximum finger reach and clarity of sound via the finger pads. If you're interested I would suggest maybe Marcin Dylla for picture-perfect classical technique. Unfortunately the classical guitar as an instrument and a repertoire are the forgotten step-child in our genre/style.

[@salvatorerossi9025]

Ok mind blown. I’ve been doing extension wrong. Thank you so much! I’ll be up all night correcting.

[@CelloCoach]

Yes, the thumb is crucial to hand placement. Glad you find the video interesting, Salvatore.

[@missbeans]

Your analogies slay me 🤣

[@almondhive]

Great explanation Thanks!

[@CelloCoach]

my pleasure

[@dada-qo9nd]

thank you so much 🥹

[@janicesze3807]

Kindly let me know how to put the thumb correctly on the cello neck. Sould it always keep a oval shape against the cello neck?. Also, during the 4th position, should the thumb still behind the second position ? Many many thanks.

[@CelloCoach]

Good question, Janice. Your thumb is not always in one shape on the back, let it be softer in its form. Allow the thumb to gently lead the hand through the shifts, yet also move laterally to lift the palm up when playing on the lower strings. Hence, we never "always" maintain a shape, while we do sustain engagement.

[@janicesze3807]

My sincere thanks to your rapid reply.

[@robsgirl6465]

Thanks. This is one of the toughest things for me to do!!!

[@CelloCoach]

It is tough for everyone, Blind Jack. Our index fingers rule our lives, so in the re-alignment of the thumb to the middle, we have to rewire our hands (and our habits) to use this relationship when playing cello.

[@robsgirl6465]

👍😌🎻💖

[@MarkBreton]

These videos are so awesome. I love playing my cello, despite that I am really a guitar player. It looks like it is not difficult to press the strings to the fingerboard. Are you using strings that have less tension while being tuned standard?

[@CelloCoach]

My two lower strings are strong tension, while the two high strings are medium tension.

[@MarkBreton]

@@CelloCoach Thank you for your reply. I ordered a set of D’Addario H510 Helicore Cello String Set Light Tension. I will experiment with those.

[@leianna3629]

Thank you so much

[@CelloCoach]

This is a super important skill, so internalise it.

[@kkendall1964]

If I could like this video a 1000 times , I would.

[@CelloCoach]

Then do. Please

[@yakov3138]

Great explaining, thanks!

[@colleenheitzler8670]

Thank you!

[@CelloCoach]

You are welcome, Colleen!

[@michelematthews796]

My index fingers are so long that for me to have wrist up, elbow up and fingers curved my thumb can’t reach the back of the neck on my cello. Any suggestions on what I can do?

[@CelloCoach]

Adapt what your anatomy has to what cello needs. this video is merely a suggestion for retaining accuracy, though the principle remains the same for all body types.

[@badbrain7163]

YES! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@CelloCoach]

Anytime!

[@janicesze3807]

This is super great.

[@CelloCoach]

Thank you

[@beatryzf8128]

Thank you 👏👏👏❤❤❤ hugs from Brazil!

[@CelloCoach]

Thank you too!

[@ronzanibr]

Great video! Helps me a lot, thank you! You mean an scale exercise book on videio. Where can we find it?

[@CelloCoach]

I can send you one in the mail. Sending an email later

[@clemensgruber6213]

I'm interested too!

[@kathleenmcdowell2076]

Great video thank you!

[@CelloCoach]

You're welcome, Kathleen!

[@Asagai]

Very good lesson!!

[@CelloCoach]

Much obliged, Bernard!

[@MariaMartinez-kg6ns]

Thank you help me a lot

[@CelloCoach]

That thumb of yours is a life saver, and ear saver too. :-) Control it, use it and you will play better forever, just learn it as soon as possible because it needs to be an unconscious effort, Maria. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@philw3953]

Why wouldn't you put the tape on the back of the neck wouldn't that help with positioning the fingers according to your method?

[@CelloCoach]

Great question Aubrey, and the answer is when you start shifting, that tape on the back of your cello neck becomes a hindrance and thus it should be trimmed away so your slides are easier up and down the neck.

[@TheNrun]

Excellent!

[@jeremiahseefeldt3069]

not every position, 4th position thumb is behind finger 1

[@CelloCoach]

"Along the neck" which I believe is mentioned multiple times on the channel, with of course the exception of the 4th. I will be more clear in the future, thanks again Jeremiah!

[@benjminkoteyashie725]

Hi Jonathan, please how will I get your scale book in Ghana?

[@CelloCoach]

please send me an email

[@stefanairoldi9429]

Thank you a lot !

[@BoazCello]

Bravo!

[@CelloCoach]

Than you, Boaz De Oliveira Silva

[@Lucas82840]

Oh, you're also here... xD

[@drcarlosgodinez]

My I ask something? I have been playing cello for one year and a half and my tumb of the left hand sticks out of the fingerboard. I have tryed to put it in the middle but at this point i´ts very difficult for me. Is it necessary for me to put it in the middle or may I continue playing as I do it? Thank you

[@CelloCoach]

Carlos Godinez “We are all anatomically different” which means your thumb and fingers maybe longer than others’. you need to find the right technique for you my advice as long as the second finger and thumb are lines when you’re in all the positions on the neck of the cello your internation will be better. As for it’s sticking out or being directly in the middle of the neck that is completely up to you. My thumb moves along, side to side as I go from seed to a string on the back of the neck but is always aligned with the 2nd finger. This is such a good question, Carlos, that you inspired me to upload a video about it. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@dougmckay9524]

Hi iam very much interested in your technical issues on the cello

[@CelloCoach]

There are so many, care to be more specific?

[@mysidestitches]

I’ve been taking lessons for 5 years and no one has ever mentioned this! Thanks. It didn’t feel natural at all when I practiced. It’s something that I need to be conscious of I guess. Do you have any exercise book recommendations?

[@CelloCoach]

There are many ways to teach cello, the difference for you is finding "what sticks". This "2nd & thumb" alignment has been used by me for close to 20 years, correcting countless students' bad habits. As for a book? yes! The Rick Mooney series on position Pieces has your shifting up and down the neck, and you can re-train your brain to remember this alignment is important. Here is an Affiliate link - amzn.to/2Ucg2YI

[@kareningram1528]

Where do we get your scale book at?

[@CelloCoach]

You can have one posted to you, so please contact me [e-mail] for details :-)

[@kareningram1528]

Jonathan Humphries thank you Jonathan!

[@kareningram1528]

Any suggestions on learning second position? It seems a lot harder on the cello than it is on the violin!

[@cassiusmyers5575]

I have to get use to having no tap on the cello, my school purchase new cellos. Now I'm so out of tune right now but not that much.

[@CelloCoach]

Maybe consider buying some 3,4mm black matte tapes?

[@nadaelnokaly4950]

amazing thanks

[@CelloCoach]

You are welcome, Nada!

[@nadaelnokaly4950]

@@CelloCoach wish me luck i just started cello lessons 2 weeks ago =)

[@laurachristin9442]

Very helpful!!

[@CelloCoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mitraarfa5442]

Perfect 👌

[@CelloCoach]

Thanks 😄

[@mipinsi]

Hola, me gusta mucho la clase pero mi inglés no es muy bueno y se me escapan cosas. ¿Podrías subtitularlo? 🙂

[@barriereid9244]

Is this where the saying " I'm all fingers and thumb " comes from?

[@CelloCoach]

maybe

[@barriereid9244]

@@CelloCoach I have watched the bow techniques (and practising everyday) now onto the left hand...thank you for your input as I am quite far away from the madding crowd here on the West Coast of Scotland.

[@MariaMartinez-kg6ns]

a lot thank you

[@iralawrence9311]

Trick works fast

[@theodorefalconer5395]

Either Kung Fu or Cello did this but 1 to Thumb is uncomfortable and 2 to thumb feels natural :'(

[@jaredcarlsonripple6692]

you hold the bow like a violin

[@diptibrahmbhatt4089]

THUT'S CRUZY BRUHUHUHUHUHUHUH

[@CelloCoach]

yup

[@채널마빈]

no dislike?? wow

[@CelloCoach]

:-)

[@Swiftray]

Why am i watching this, i need to practise piano

[@CelloCoach]

maybe because cello is more fun?

[@Krizurchini]

Romeo and Julieta, but i think my second finger wanna kill itself or something xdxd (its only a joke)

[@CelloCoach]

I find it humorous, Krissia, but I'm geeky about cello :-p

[@sebastiengiacomi]

N’importe quoi

[@olaberglund1776]

Thank you so much!