Summary:

• Similar look to the violin and viola, but much larger
• Wide variety - both warm low notes to bright high register
• Tenor instrument of the family
• Played while sitting down, resting it on the ground
• Has a richer and warmer sound
• Often plays both harmony and melody elements
• 4 Strings: Tuned C, G, D, A from lowest to highest
• Has a similar tone color to the human voice
• Right-hand uses the bow, left-hand presses the strings
• 8-12 cellos in an orchestra.

Sound Example:

More Info:

The cello is too large to be rested under the chin, so it is placed on the floor between the player’s legs and played in an upright position while sitting on a chair.

The cello’s body is usually 75,5cm and has the characteristic F-shaped holes and hollow wooden box - though much larger than viola and violin.

The neck is similar to those of the violins, though much longer.

The bow of the cello is 71-73 cm, shorter than the violin bow.

The head is similar to the violins (though bigger), with a scroll and pegbox with 4pegs to tune the strings.

History:
Came from the 19th century, one of the most important instruments for solo works.