# The Full Chord, Cello

Three- and four-note chords on the cello

The cello can play full chords, and Bach exploited this to the maximum. Learn the bow angles and pressure needed to sound three and four strings together, and how polyphonic cello writing creates the illusion of multiple instruments.

Advanced · 4 lessons · approximately 55 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [Reading at Sight](/learn/cello/sight-reading-advanced), Fluent score reading at tempo

## What this module covers
1. **Three-note Chords**, Bow technique for triple stops (14 min)
2. **Four-note Chords**, The full chord, arpeggiated and sustained (13 min)
3. **Chord Bow Technique**, Weight, angle, and sequence for full resonance (13 min)
4. **Polyphony in Bach**, How to voice two independent lines on one instrument (15 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [Free metronome](/tools/metronome), Use a steady pulse while you count or repeat a short phrase.

## What comes next
- [The Upward Reach](/learn/cello/thumb-position-2), Thumb position mastery

## Where should I start with the full chord?
The curriculum places Reading at Sight before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Three-note Chords”: Bow technique for triple stops. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the the full chord module?
The 4 listed lessons total approximately 55 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with three- and four-note chords on the cello. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.

## What can I try here without an account?
The the full chord description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.

## Continue in Arco
The complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five music theory lessons are free with an account, including saved progress and no time limit. Later lessons require the relevant paid package. Public samples do not assess your physical technique or certify exam readiness.

[See packages and pricing](/pricing) · [Back to the cello curriculum](/learn/cello)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/learn/cello/chords-polyphony