Cello Lessons Video Series for Beginners
If you’re just starting out on the cello or teaching someone who is there’s now an excellent new resource available online that’s well worth exploring.
Irish cellist and Professor of Cello Ailbhe McDonagh has released the Cello Basics video series on YouTube, designed specifically for beginners. The series offers clear, structured guidance through the fundamentals of cello playing, one step at a time. Whether you’re learning on your own, working with a teacher, or returning to the instrument after a break, these short, focused lessons are a fantastic starting point.
Each video in the Cello Basics series focuses on a single aspect of technique or setup, making it easy to follow along and revisit as needed. The videos are short, practical, and filmed with clarity—ideal for beginner-level learners of all ages.
Here’s a quick overview of what each video covers:
Cello Basics 01: How to Sit Properly with the Cello
This first lesson introduces the proper way to sit with the cello, ensuring your body is aligned and balanced. Ailbhe explains how your posture affects playing comfort, stability, and tone, and offers tips for chair height, endpin length, and cello placement.
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Cello Basics 02: Understanding the Parts of the Cello & Bow
Before you can play confidently, it helps to know your instrument. This video walks you through the key parts of the cello and bow, explaining what each one does and how to handle them properly. A must-watch for total beginners.
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Cello Basics 03: About Your Bow & Rosin
Ailbhe explains how the cello bow produces sound and introduces rosin: what it is, why you need it, and how to apply it correctly. This video also includes tips on bow care and handling.
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Cello Basics 04: How to Hold the Bow
This essential lesson introduces the correct bow hold, finger by finger. Ailbhe demonstrates how to build a natural, relaxed grip that allows freedom of movement and long-term control.
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Cello Basics 05: Bow Hand Exercises
To strengthen your bow hand and develop flexibility, this lesson includes several simple, fun exercises like “monkey up the stick” and “pizza spreader.” Ideal for building fine motor control and hand independence.
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Cello Basics 06: Open Strings & Pizzicato
Your first notes on the cello! This lesson covers plucking (pizzicato) the four open strings: A, D, G, and C, while reinforcing string names, arm movement, and finger positioning.
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Cello Basics 07: Introduction to First Position
First position is the home base for beginner cellists. This video explains how to shape the left hand correctly and place the fingers in position, building on the earlier posture and hand shape lessons.
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Cello Basics 08: Starting the Left Hand – C-Shape and 1st Finger
This lesson introduces the correct left-hand shape on the cello, starting with the natural “C-shape” and guiding you through placing the 1st finger accurately. Ailbhe explains how hand position, finger curve, and thumb placement all work together to set the foundation for clean intonation and relaxed playing.
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Cello Basics 09: Starting the 3rd Finger
This lesson introduces the 3rd finger and its placement across the strings. Ailbhe explains how to keep your hand shape consistent while developing strength and coordination for clean, in-tune playing.
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Cello Basics 10: Introducing the 4th Finger on the Cello
The pinky can be tricky at first. This video offers tips on strengthening the 4th finger and positioning it accurately, without collapsing the hand or causing tension.
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Cello Basics 11: Introducing the 2nd Finger on the Cello
This lesson explores both high and low 2nd finger placement, an important concept for learning keys, accidentals, and note spacing. Ailbhe breaks it down clearly with helpful examples.
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Cello Basics 12: Understanding Bow Angles
Bowing cleanly on each string requires the correct angle of contact. Ailbhe explains how to adjust the bow arm for each of the four strings and how to maintain straight, controlled bow strokes.
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Cello Basics 13: Bow Contact Points Explained
Where the bow touches the string, closer to the bridge or fingerboard, affects tone and volume. This video covers how to find and use the ideal contact point for consistent, clear sound.
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Cello Basics 14: Bow Arm
A deeper look at the movement and structure of the bow arm from shoulder to fingertips. This lesson is key for developing relaxed, flowing bowing and avoiding injury or tension.
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Cello Basics 15: Bowing Separately vs Slurred
This video introduces the two most common bowing types: separate bows (one per note) and slurred (multiple notes in one bow). Ailbhe explains how and when to use each one.
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Cello Basics 16: Changing Bow Direction
In this video you’ll learn how to change bow direction smoothly, an essential technique for maintaining an even tone and clear phrasing. Developing control over down bows and up bows will help you play with greater ease and confidence.
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Cello Basics 17: String Crossings
This lesson teaches beginner cellists how to move smoothly between strings with the bow, focusing on coordination, angle control, and clean transitions to improve overall fluency.
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Cello Basics 18: Bow Retakes
Watch this video to understand how to confidently and precisely lift and reset the bow between repeated down bows and keep the rhythm steady.
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Cello Basics 19: Bow Distribution
This lesson teaches you how to divide the bow effectively based on note lengths and loudness, using Frère Jacques and Chinese Garden as examples.
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New videos are being added all the time.
📺 Watch the Full Playlist
You can view the entire Cello Basics series in order right here:
🔗 Watch the full playlist on YouTube
🎓 Who Is This For?
This series is perfect for:
- Beginners of all ages learning on their own or with a teacher
- Adult learners looking for structured, visual guidance
- Parents supporting their child’s cello practice
- Teachers assigning focused video support between lessons
Each lesson is short, focused, and clearly explained—ideal for busy learners or regular review.
👩🏫 About Ailbhe McDonagh
Ailbhe McDonagh is an Irish cellist, composer, and professor of cello known for her expressive playing and clear educational style. Her teaching balances musicality with technique, and she brings a professional, supportive tone to every video. With Cello Basics, she offers an accessible and high-quality foundation for anyone learning the cello.
This is one of the best free beginner cello resources currently available online and comes highly recommended for anyone starting their cello journey.