I`m a very beginner celloist who is teaching themself. Often when I play I`ll get a harmonic off the note I`m playing, I`m doing something with the bow to make it do that, but I can`t figure it out, does any one know what I`m doing wrong?

maybe you could try pressing hard on the strings, and put in more force on your bow.. but of course don`t use brute force...

Well, I think your problem is this:

Here are some possiblities, I`ll let you decide..........

1. Your pressing too hard on the fingerboard. Try imagining squeezing a very ripe strawberry between your thumb and fingerboard. Press, but not too hard.

2. Your fingers are collapsing. You need to curve your fingers when you play. That will eliminate the the stress of no.1 and relax and correct your entire position.

3. Your holding your bow wrong. I can`t explain this to you very well, but this is crucial. This could be the entire problem. E-mail me, I can draw a diagram for you.

4. Your bowing is not perpendicular to the bridge. Just move your wrist to accomodate.

5. Your playing too close to the bridge. Need to pick a nice spot in the middle.

6. Not putting enough weight on the strings. DO NOT put pressure, instead relax your arm and let your arm weight give you force.

7. Your playing in a boat style. Which means that your bow is moving up and down the fingerboard giving you a wispy unfocused sound.

Still need help? E-mail me.