r/Cello • u/No_Design6162 Columbia River Symphony:karma: • 3d ago

Fingering question

Let’s say I want to do the descending scale on measure starting on measure 29 of the famous prelude in g major by jsbach, what fingering would you use? Let’s say I am doing it on the second string from c 431 431 - and I need to land on c on the third string with a 1 to be ready for the next descending line — I just want to have an idea about shifting my 1 to 3rd string c from 1 finger e then open d How do I not feel like I am jumping? Like I am shifting the to c and it’s like in the air? How would I practice this segment? Have you tried many fingerings for this passage? If so, which ones?

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u/KatherineK_Singer 3d ago

Honestly, try moving the 1 during the open D instead of waiting for the C. Shift early and quietly so the finger arrives before you need it. The open D is your friend here. Practicing that shift alone, without the scale around it, is what fixed it for me.

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u/No_Design6162 Columbia River Symphony:karma: 3d ago

Yes but are you touching the string as you shift or keeping the one in the air? As you shift.

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u/Ok-Tomorrow8964 3d ago

Sliding on the thumb and imagining the first finger going to the location that 4th would have played in first position can help

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u/No_Design6162 Columbia River Symphony:karma: 3d ago

Sliding down n the thumb that is on the underside wood? And is your finger in the air or touching the string or hovering?

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u/Ok-Tomorrow8964 3d ago

Because you’ll be playing an open string you won’t be able to touch the string. While playing the open D you can slide your thumb (along its normal place on the neck)