Using the Thumb in Lower Positions - Cello and Bass

In another form of advanced thumb position playing, the thumb is used in the lower area of the neck. This is not difficult, but takes time to get used to the stretch of the hand. The technique comes in handy for excerpts such as these - from the Prelude of the Bach 3rd suite, and the Haydn Cello Concerto in C.

Bassists use this technique, but tend to use it more in the middle of the neck because the stretch gets too large in the lowest positions.

POSTURE • INSTRUMENT SIZING • INSTRUMENT POSITION

BOW HOLD • BOW STROKE • INTERMEDIATE RIGHT HAND SKILLS • ADVANCED RIGHT HAND SKILLS

LEFT HAND POSITION • SHIFTING • VIBRATO • ADVANCED LEFT HAND SKILLS