# First Position, Cello

All four strings, fingers 1–4

First position is a starting hand position on the cello, using fingers 1 through 4 close to the nut. Learn its note patterns to play simple melodies and begin scale practice; other keys and wider ranges may require extensions or shifts.

Beginner · 5 lessons · approximately 79 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Free lesson sample: Play D–E–F–G in cello first position

In ordinary first position on the D string, the open string is D, first finger is E, second finger is F natural, and fourth finger is G. This pattern contrasts the whole steps D–E and F–G with the half step E–F, without a hand extension.

Before you start: Start with a tuned D string and a relaxed left hand. Use a comfortable tempo, around one note per second. Plucking is fine while you concentrate on pitch; do not stretch through discomfort.

### The example, written out
- Ascending: D3 (open / 0) → E3 (1) → F3 (2) → G3 (4).
- Descending: G3 (4) → F3 (2) → E3 (1) → D3 (0).

### Try it step by step
1. Play the open D. Place first finger for E, then second finger a half step higher for F natural.
2. Place fourth finger for G. Let the hand retain a comfortable curved shape rather than reaching only with the fingertip.
3. Play the complete ascent and descent, one note per beat. Pause between repetitions and release unnecessary thumb pressure.

### Worked answer
The finger sequence is 0–1–2–4, then 4–2–1–0. D–E is a whole step, E–F a half step, and F–G a whole step. Third finger, between F and G, would play F sharp; it is not used in this four-note pattern.

### Common mistakes
- Second finger is F natural here, not F sharp. Do not substitute a D-major fingering pattern.
- An open D does not prove the fingered notes are in tune. Listen to each note and adjust gently rather than squeezing harder.

[Check each first-position pitch with the tuner](/tools/tuner)
[Learn how to compare pitches and improve intonation](/learn/cello/intonation)

## Before this module
- [Getting Started](/learn/cello/getting-started), Your instrument, your body, your bow

## What this module covers
1. **The G String**, Normal first-position geography on the G string (16 min)
2. **The D String**, Normal first-position geography on the D string (16 min)
3. **The A String**, Normal first-position geography on the A string (16 min)
4. **The C String**, Normal first-position geography on the C string (16 min)
5. **String Crossings**, Moving smoothly between strings without bumping or scratching (15 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [Cello first-position chart](/charts/cello), A lower-position reference only; it does not show every accidental, extension or shift in this module.

## What comes next
- [Tone & Bow Control](/learn/cello/tone-bow), Producing a beautiful sound

## Where should I start with first position?
The curriculum places Getting Started before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “The G String”: Normal first-position geography on the G string. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the first position module?
The 5 listed lessons total approximately 79 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with all four strings, fingers 1–4. 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 complete “Play D–E–F–G in cello first position” exercise, its worked answer and common mistakes are free on this page. The lesson list and linked public tools are also open. 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/first-position