We will send you a link to the free chart by email. You can then print it out.
Send me the free chartThanks to Tomplay, you can play your favourite music with professional audio accompaniments.
The cello is a string instrument known for its deep, resonant sound. It has four strings, tuned in perfect fifths (C, G, D, A), and is played with a bow or by plucking the strings.
Before using the free cello fingering chart above and playing your first pieces, it's crucial to understand the cello hand position. See how to properly position your hands below.
The left hand is responsible for pressing the strings on the fingerboard. Unlike the violin and viola, the cello is played in a vertical position, requiring a different approach to hand positioning. Your thumb should rest on the back of the neck, opposite your second finger. Your fingers should be curved and ready to press the strings with the fingertips, maintaining a rounded shape. The spacing between fingers will be wider than on smaller string instruments due to the cello's larger size.
Your right hand holds the bow with a natural, relaxed grip. Place your thumb in the bend of the frog, with your other fingers draped over the bow stick. Unlike violin and viola bowing, cello bowing involves more horizontal arm movement due to the instrument's vertical position.
Once your hands are properly positioned, use the free cello fingering chart above to practice notes and begin playing your first pieces! Click any note to see the finger placement on the fingerboard. Remember, you can download and print the cello fingering chart for free!
Image 1: Left-hand position
Image 2: Right-hand position
Cello positions work differently from violin and viola positions. The thumb position, unique to cello playing, is particularly important. In lower positions (1st through 4th), the thumb remains behind the neck. In thumb position, used for higher notes, the thumb comes up onto the fingerboard itself.
For beginners, first position is where you'll start. This position allows you to play the most common notes while maintaining a comfortable hand position. As you advance, you'll learn to shift between positions and eventually master thumb position for playing in higher registers.
Ready to play your first notes? The interactive fingering chart above will guide you through the process.
Start with the D string, playing open D and then adding fingers one at a time. First position on the D string gives you D (open), E (first finger), F (second finger), and G (third finger). These notes form a comfortable pattern for beginners and require minimal shifting. Use the cello fingering chart to explore other strings and notes as you progress.
Different musical contexts may require alternative finger placements. We've included common examples in the interactive cello fingering chart above.
We offer a wide range of cello sheet music for all levels, including beginners. Our professional musicians have recorded play-along tracks and created high-quality sheet music for you to enjoy! As a beginner cellist, you'll also find a helpful visual cello—simply select any note, and the interactive cello will show you where to place your fingers on the fingerboard!
