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Scales and Arpeggios for Cello

Notes:

• The fingerings used throughout are the universal fingering patterns for all scales

  • Avoid open strings where possible

  • Notes of the first and second octaves will be grouped in threes, separated by a shift

  • Fingerings have only been provided where a shift to a new position is required

• The minor scale appears in three variations;

  • Natural: follow the key signature precisely

  • Harmonic: raise the 7th scale degree (the leading tone) ascending and descending

  • Melodic: raise the 6th and 7th scale degrees ascending, follow the key signature descending

• Roman Numerals denote the specific string to be played (I=A, II=D, III=G, IV=C)

• X’s denote extensions; remember that extensions only occur between fingers 1 and 2

• Drones are provided for each key set