Parts of the Cello

Parts of the Instrument

First let's get to know the names of the various parts of the instrument, starting from the top and working our way downwards.

• The Pegs and the Scroll
  
  
  
  The scroll is the ornamental curve at the very top of the instrument. The pegs are used for tuning the instrument. The four cello strings are each wrapped aroung a peg. Turning the peg raises or lowers the pitch of the string.
  
  

• The Neck and the Fingerboard
  
  
  
  The terms 'fingerboard' and 'neck' both refer to the long piece of wood coming off the main body of the cello. The neck refers to the entire length in a general sense, whereas the fingerboard refers specifically to the black front of the neck - the fingers push the string down onto the fingerboard to make change the note.
  
  

• The Bridge and the F Holes
  
  
  
  The bridge is the small piece of would that holds the strings in tension away from the body of the instrument. The f-holes are the f-shaped holes in the body of the cello, that allow the sound to escape from inside the cello.
  
  

• The Tail piece and the spike
  
  
  
  The tail piece is the black plastic object that holds the strings at the bottom of the cello. The spike is the sharp metal object underneath the cello. It is used to rest the cello on the ground and prevent it from slipping.