Cello

Cellos are larger than the violin or viola and the player has to be seated in order to play it. Cellos have the same four open strings as a viola. These are C-G-D-A. However the cello strings sound an octave lower than the viola.

The cello produces a dark lyric sound and is often used as a solo instrument. Because of the large range of the cello and the different sound qualities produced in the high and low registers, the cello is a very versatile instrument.

Cellos can be found in symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles. They have also made some appearances in popular music.

Study the image provided and listen to the sound sample of the cello to gain an understanding of this instrument.

Listen to a sample of the cello: