Can You Play the Cello with Shorter Fingers: Navigating Challenges and Possibilities

Have you ever wondered if you can play the cello even with shorter fingers? This article explores the relationship between finger length and cello playing, providing insights and practical advice for cellists of all sizes.

Short Fingered Cellists: A Reality or Myth?

The notion of short fingers on a cello is sometimes misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, short fingers or smaller hands don't necessarily preclude someone from playing the cello. In fact, the largest cello size available is a full-size cello, designed for adults. For those with truly smaller hands, a 3/4 size cello is more appropriate, suitable for individuals around 6-12 years old.

Adapting to Shorter Fingers

Having shorter fingers or being double-jointed can indeed present unique challenges, but they shouldn't deter you from pursuing your passion for cello. Just as pianists adapt their techniques to accommodate shorter hands, cellists with shorter fingers can also develop their own strategies. Each individual is unique, and it is quite possible to play the cello effectively, especially if you approach it with a growth mindset.

Challenges Faced by Short Fingered Cellists

However, some technical challenges are more pronounced for those with shorter fingers. One of the most significant hurdles is achieving a wide hand spread, such as the requirement to play sequences of 10ths in pieces like Rachmaninov's compositions. Individual hand spread is a critical factor for certain techniques and pieces. For those with shorter fingers, these sequences might be impossible to achieve, making the mastery of such pieces extremely difficult.

Another challenge is the range of the cello. A very short person with short fingers will find it slightly easier, as they can use a smaller cello, which means the strings are closer together, making the intervals more manageable. On the other hand, a very tall person with short fingers will face more difficulty due to the need for a larger cello, which increases the distance between the strings and makes playing certain passages more challenging.

Inspiring Examples of Short Fingered Cellists

Despite the challenges, there are shining examples of short fingered cellists who have mastered the instrument. One such cellist is a very short woman I work with. She has short arms, legs, and tiny, short-fingered hands, and she also has a buxom build, making her the worst possible physical fit for playing the cello. Yet, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to play the most challenging contemporary and classical works with precision and creativity.

Her success can be attributed to a combination of natural talent and a willingness to develop her own techniques. Despite the physical limitations, she has found ways to shift positions efficiently, maintain a secure and natural thumb position, and achieve a beautiful sound. Her story is a testament to the fact that with determination and the right approach, short fingered cellists can indeed play the cello at a high level.

Professional Help and Expertise

For short fingered cellists, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from an understanding and experienced teacher. An approach that embraces individual differences and offers alternative techniques can be incredibly beneficial. It is crucial to avoid teachers who suggest that there is only one way to play the cello, as this can stifle creativity and progression.

With practice, patience, and the right support, short fingered cellists can navigate the challenges and thrive in the world of cello playing. The key is to keep at it and not let anyone discourage you from pursuing your passion. As a cello player myself with over 65 years of experience, I can attest to the joy and beauty that the cello brings, regardless of finger length.

Happy playing!