How to shift on the cello

You need to tune your cello before you start. You could buy a tuning fork, or an electric tuner. There are also free apps you could get at an App Store.

Here are the strings' names starting from the lowest pitch.

The lowest pitch and thickest string, "C."

Second lowest pitch and second thickest string, "G."

Second highest pitch and second thinnest string, "D."

The highest pitch and thinnest string, "A."

Since I don't use tape to tell me where to put my fingers anymore, I just put sticky notes on my cello. This will make it easier for you to tell where my fingers are compared to each position.

This finger placement is first position.

On the "A" string, first finger is on the note "B."

Second finger is on the note "C" natural. It is between the hot pink and green tape on my cello. A natural note is in between its sharp and flat.

Third finger is on "C" sharp. A sharp note is a half step above the "normal" note, in this case "C."

Your fourth finger should go on "D."

On the "D" string, first finger is on "E."

Second finger is on "F" natural.

Third finger is on "F" sharp.

Fourth finger is on "G."

On the "G" string, first finger is "A."

Second finger is "B" flat. A flat note is a note that is a half step lower than the "normal" note, or in this case, plain "B."

Three fingers would be "B."

Four fingers would be "C."

On the "C" string, first finger is "D."

Second finger is "E" flat.

Third finger is "E."

And lastly, fourth finger is on the note "F."

I'm not going to tell you all of the note names for every position, that would take too long and you could just search it for yourself, but I will show you the rest of the positions.

Putting your first finger on the red dots would be 2nd position. Learning it can be slightly confusing. Especially when you extend your fingers. (A completely different lesson right there). :)

This is third position. Where your fourth finger usually is during first position, is where your first finger will now be.

This is fourth position. The easiest way to get to this position is if you just drop your first finger all the way down until your thumb is stopped by the "neck" of the cello.

This is what I'm referring to when I say "neck."

That is all. I hope that helped. If you have any questions or want me to show you how play a particular scale, just leave a comment below. :)