Hello. ^_^

I`m thinking of learning to play an instrument and I`ve always liked the `Cello, but I`m wondering about its range; I`ve read on the Internet that the `Cello`s range is C2 - C6, which seems awfully large. After all, the lowest string on a `Cello is the C two octaves below Middle C (C2), right? So from my calculations, that makes the highest string the A below Middle C (A3), then...which means over two octaves can be played on this highest string...? So, the whole instrument has a range of 4 octaves?!?

Anyway, is that at all true? Also, what is the normal range for a beginner... ^_^

C2-C6, I don`t know what you mean when you say that. Well umm, the cello has the A-string(highest), D-string(low), G-string(lower) and C-string as the (lowest).

Two octaves from the A-string is a", which is a minor third short of four octaves.
The begginer range on the `cello is about C-eb` the e-flat just above middle c. The begginer range on the `cello isn`t great, but proffesionals can play up to the the f above the treble clef without too much trouble: thats four octaves and a fourth. It can go even higher than that with harmonics, if you count those.
If you want to hear the `cello playing quite high, listen to Strauss` Don Quixote variations ( especially the end part ). Very beautifull.
Supposedly Britten takes a whole section of `cellos that high, but I`ve never listened to that particular peice so I can`t vouch for it.

Oh, I was using european terminology. I`ll convert that for you:

Begginer `cello: C2-Eb4 ( C-eb` )
Proffesional `cello: C2-F6 ( C-f``` )

You might find the following interesting:

Proffesional level instrument ranges:

Violin: G3-E7
Viola: C3-C7 ( often given as an octave less, that`s untrue though )
`Cello: C2-F6
Double Bass: E1-C5
Flute: C4-C7
Oboe: Bb3-G6
Clarinet: D3-C7 ( often extended low range )
Bassoon: Bb1-F5
Trumpet: G3-C6
Horn: Bb1-F5
Trombone: E2-C5
Tuba: Bb0-Bb4

Thank you, Sean, Possesed `cello. ^_^

Yes, I know the Cello has C, G, D and A strings - seems sort of barren, considering I`m more used to playing 6-strings (a.k.a. a guitar). The `cello really needs an E-string, in my opinion! =P

Also, where did you get those ranges from, Possesed? I found this site, which proposes somewhat different ranges to that which you state:

http://music.theory.home.att.net/insrange.htm

I`d sooner trust a real cellist than an Internet-site, though. ^_^

The `cello appeals to me (partly?) because it`s (sort of) balanced perfectly around middle-C - two octaves below, two octaves above. Also, it covers the full spectrum of the human-voice range nicely. What more could you ask from an instrument?!

Although, I`m beginning to think I like the more staccato sound of classical guitar...then again, I also want to learn an orchestral instrument... x_X

Oh well. Thanks again! ^_^

hi fellow cellians, my cello has 9 strings it is the best cello in the world...it cost me $89,000 no one is better than me...:0

Yeah and my cello has 9000 strings, I never have to use my left hand, LOLOLOLOLOLOL

you obviously arent the best celloist if you say celloist, its cellist you idiot

ha ha ha. i dont even play cello............Why am i on this site? Must of lost my way!

Yes, the cello has a rather large range.
But you`ll hardly find people playing up to the 7th position or higher. It is really difficult and virtuostic.
Decent cellists can get a high G out of their instruments... but it`s not easy.