String
Cello Fingering Chart
Cello fingering chart covering first through fourth position.
Cello Fingering Basics
The cello is tuned C-G-D-A (one octave lower than viola). Due to the larger size, the cello uses a different finger numbering and position system than violin/viola.
Finger Numbers
- 0: Open string
- 1: Index finger
- 2: Middle finger (whole step from 1)
- 3: Ring finger (half step from 2 in closed position)
- 4: Pinky
Positions
Cello playing involves shifting between positions up and down the fingerboard. First position places the first finger near the nut; higher positions move the hand toward the bridge.
Cello Fingering Table
| Note | Primary Fingering | Alternate Fingering |
|---|---|---|
C2 (open) | C string, 0 (open) | — |
D2 | C string, 1 | — |
E2 | C string, 3 | — |
F2 | C string, 4 | — |
G2 (open) | G string, 0 (open) | — |
A2 | G string, 1 | — |
B2 | G string, 3 | — |
C3 | G string, 4 | — |
D3 (open) | D string, 0 (open) | — |
E3 | D string, 1 | — |
F3 | D string, 2 | — |
F#3 | D string, 3 | — |
G3 | D string, 4 | — |
A3 (open) | A string, 0 (open) | — |
B3 | A string, 1 | — |
C4 | A string, 2 | — |
D4 | A string, 4 | — |