Left Hand for Cello

Here are some pictures of what to look for in the left hand.

Keep your left elbow up and away from your body when you play. Don’t let it get lazy and droop down! There should be a straight line across the back of your wrist. Your thumb should be behind the neck of the cello, across from your two middle fingers. If you keep your hand angled so that the palm of your hand is facing your chest your fingers will have an easier time reaching the strings.

Here are some examples of common problems that students have with left-hand posture. Pay attention to your left hand when you practice and make sure it always looks like the picture on the top left!