Thumbs down

When it comes to learning the cello, we often focus on the big techniques—bowing, shifting, and finger placement. But there’s one little thing that can throw off your entire playing and undo hours of careful practice: squeezing your thumb.

I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my technique, only to find that one little habit was holding me back. You might not think it, but your thumb, especially on the left hand, plays a crucial role in your sound and your control. It’s easy to fall into the trap of squeezing your thumb against the neck of the cello, thinking it’s helping you get a grip.

But in reality, squeezing your thumb does more harm than good. It can create tension in your hand, leading to poor intonation, slow shifts, and even pain over time. All of a sudden, that perfect practice session is sabotaged by this seemingly innocent habit.

The solution is simpler than you think. Relaxing your thumb and allowing it to gently support the cello, rather than squeezing it, will give you more freedom and control. Keep your thumb relaxed and in alignment with your second finger, letting it gently rest in place, and you’ll notice the difference in your playing. If you have a marshmallow handy, stick it behind your left thumb. If it’s not squeezed by the end of a phrase, you get to eat it! :)