The Parts of the Cello
The cello is has many parts, each contributing to the sound of the instrument.
These are the main components of the cello:
The Body
- Top: Also known as the soundboard, this is the front face of the cello where the sound holes (F-holes) are located.
- Back and Ribs: These are the sides and back of the cello’s body, contributing to the instrument’s resonance.
- F-holes: Named for their shape, these allow sound to project outward from the cello.
Interactive Image: the Parts of the Cello
The next image is interactive and you can click to see the names and descriptions of the parts of the cello.
The Neck and Fingerboard
- Neck: The long wooden piece connecting the body to the scroll.
- Fingerboard: The smooth, black surface glued to the neck is where you press the strings down to change the pitch.
The Scroll and Pegs
- Scroll: The ornately carved end of the cello.
- Pegs: Used to tune the cello; turning them adjusts the pitch of each string.
The Tailpiece and Endpin
- Tailpiece: Where the strings are anchored at the bottom of the cello.
- Endpin: The metal spike that supports the cello on the floor.
The Strings and Bridge
- Strings: The cello has four strings, tuned to C, G, D, and A.
- Bridge: The small wooden piece that supports the strings above the body.
The Cello Strings
The cello has four strings, tuned to C, G, D, and A.
Look at the strings and how they are notated on the bass clef. Click on the image.
Interactive Image: The Cello Strings
Exercise 1: Cello parts
Drag the cello part name to the correct point in the image.