How do you play in 1/2 3rd position on the cello?

Answer 1

You simply figure out where you put your fourth finger down on any string in the first position. Then you move your first finger to where your fourth finger was originally (this is 3rd position). Finally, move up a half step to arrive at 1/2 3rd position.

If you are having trouble figuring out interval or note distances, here is a neat trick.

Start by looking at your hand as if it was a measuring device like a ruler for example. the distance from finger to finger is a half step. The distance from every other finger is a whole step. This idea is consistent up and down the entire fingerboard but is slightly modified in the upper registers.

Try and answer these conceptual questions for practice. I will put answers down at the very bottom. Try not to cheat and do your very best ;)

Q1: What is the interval from 1st to 2nd finger?

Q2: 3rd to 4th?

Q3: 3rd to 2nd?

Q4: 2nd to 4th?

Q5: 3rd to 1st?

Challenge: What is the interval distance from 1st to 4th?

ANSWERS:

Q1: Half step

Q2: Half step

Q3: Half step

Q4: Whole Step

Q5: Whole Step

Challenge: minor 3rd or Whole step plus a half step :)

If you guys want to know more about the instrument and its possibilities and have some lessons please feel free to contact me!

Answer 2

if you know where your 3 rd possition is then you just go half step higher . For example A string - 1 st finger on #D would be 3 rd and a half possition

Answer 3

I will use an example by playing it on the A string. Normal third position on the A string will be your first finger on D. If you go forward a half step (D# or Eb) you will be in 1/2 3rd position.