How to Shift on a Cello

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

Shifting positions on a cello can be very difficult but it necessary for many songs. Moving across the strings in first position to play a certain note is much too slow. It is actually possible to play a song on only one string with shifting. At first, shifting may be very slow and inaccurate, however, with practice, it can become a very swift and accurate movement. There are four basic positions on the cello. Begin with Step 1 to start shifting.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Shifting

1
Place your left hand in first position on any string. Make sure that your arm and fingers are curved. Check your thumb that it is supporting the cello but not squeezing it tightly. If you are squeezing it too tightly, relax your hand and gently place your thumb at the neck of the cello.
2
Lift your fingers up above the strings. Only hover them over the strings. Try not to get too close to the strings as the shifting movement will be much harder, however, having your fingers too high above the strings will make it hard to accurately place your fingers.

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3
Move your hand slowly and smoothly towards one of the basic positions. This action must be done smoothly so that there is less tension in your arm.
4
Increase the pace but remain smooth. Gradually increase the speed of shifting to each position. Avoid yanking your arm towards the position. Keeping your thumb loose helps you shift easier.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Moving to Second Position

1
Place your left hand in first position on the D string. Make sure you are completely accurate. Press all four fingers down and play the D string. Lift your fingers off one by one to see if each note it in tune. Once you have checked and the notes are in tune, place your hand gently on the D string in first position again.
2
Loosen your thumb up slightly and move your hand so that your first finger is on the F# note and your second finger is on the G note. Your third finger should be on the G# note and your fourth finger should be on the A note. This A is the same A as your open string A. Press down all your fingers in this position and play.
- To test if your second position on the D string is correct, play your open A string and compare. They both should sound the same.
3
Practice lifting up your fingers in this position. Lift your fourth finger to see what G# sounds like, then lift your third finger to listen to G and so on. If the notes are out of tune, adjust your fingers and try again.
4
Move your hand back to first position. Remember to move your thumb with your fingers. Ensure that you are not squeezing too tightly. Remember to lift your fingers slightly first then move. Avoid sliding up and down the strings with your fingers as it is very slow. Always keep your fingers and arm curved over.
5
Practice moving back and forth on the D string. Improve your speed and accuracy. Practice shifting to second position on the other strings too:
- In second position on the A string, the notes are (first to fourth finger):
  - C#; D; D#; E
- G string:
  - B; C; C#; D (this D is the same D as your open string D)
- C string:
  - E; F; F#; G (this G is the same G as your open string G)

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Moving to Third Position

1
Place your left hand in first position on the D string. Move your hand so that your first finger is on the G note and your second finger is on the G# note. Your third finger should now be on the A note and your fourth finger should be on the B♭ note.
2
Press down all your fingers and play. Lift your fourth finger up and play. This should be the A note. To check if it is accurate, play your open A string to compare. Then, lift your third finger up and play (this should be the G# note) and so on. If the notes are out of tune, adjust your fingers and try again.
3
Lift your fingers up slightly and move back to first position. Always check your thumb. Do not make it a habit to keep your thumb in one spot while shifting as this will cause problems.
4
Try out the other strings. Always adjust your fingers if the sound is out of tune.
- In third position, the notes on the A string are:
  - D; D#; E; F
- G string:
  - C; C#; D; E♭
- C string:
  - F; F#; G; A♭
5
Practice shifting to the various positions. Practice slowly and gradually increase the speed. Try shifting from:
- First to third position
- Second to third position
- Third to first position
- Third to second position

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Moving to Fourth Position

1
Place your left hand in first position on the D string. Check to see if all your fingers are accurately placed. Adjust your fingers to the correct position if necessary.
2
Move you hand so that your first finger is on the A note and your second finger is on the B♭ note. Your third finger should be on the B note and your fourth should be on the C note.
3
Press down all your fingers and play. Note that the C note is the same C note on the A string in first position. Lift your fourth finger up and play, then lift your third finger up and play and so on. Adjust your fingers if the notes are out of tune.
4
Practice this on the other strings.
- In fourth position, the notes on the A string are:
  - E; F; F#; G
- G String
  - D; E♭; E; F
- C String
  - G; A♭; A; B♭
5
Try the different combinations of positions. Moving from first to fourth position (and back) is difficult to do quickly and accurately.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I play a D flat key?

Eliana Shin

Community Answer

The key of D flat major has a key signature with B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat, and G flat. If you're trying to play a scale, start on the C string and play the first note, a D flat, with an extended first finger in first position. From there, play each note, remembering the 5 flats. You will probably hear a wrong note.
Question

How do I extend on a cello?

Community Answer

For extended finger positions, make sure that your first finger is firmly planted - this will allow you to stretch to the next note more easily. If you're finding an extension too hard, you can just shift (move your hand so that you don't have to stretch).