How your Thumb Can Help -- or Hurt -- your Cello Technique with Joel Becktell

[Bigbug123456]

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[felporocker]

can the cello be played using the fingers as a bass or a double bass without using the bow

[JoelBecktell]

@broz0938: Same reason! This video discussion was about the left hand, but in fact the exact same idea applies to the right hand. We must not press our right thumb against the bow. Try to remember this: the STRING holds the bow up; the hand/grip merely GUIDES it. Relax that grip on the bow and your hand won't hurt and swell any more. Easy to say, of course! Set aside a little contemplative time in your practice to really explore this -- it will be time well spent. --Joel

[broz0938]

Thank you so much! I am a beginner and was getting frustrated as to why I couldn't play in tune...this would be why :) Any clue as to why the muscle between my thumb and index finger on my bowing hand gets tired and slightly swollen? I try my best to maintain a good position with my fingers on my bow...my cello teacher was at a loss.

[JoelBecktell]

CORRECTION! Sorry folks, I mis-spoke at one point while making this video. When referring to finger spacing on the left hand (approx. 2:02 in the video) I indicated a "whole step" between adjacent fingers. Of course I meant to say "half step," but simply said the wrong thing...Sorry! Made these videos about a year and a half ago, and just saw this one for the first time now. --Joel

[gifu1960]

I learned a lot from this. Joel is a good teacher.

[AlamoCityCello]

Hey Joel, Great Vid! Thanks Much!!