u/65TwinReverbRI

I’d like to ask a Cellist to play some things like the following:

Play an open low C, and then play notes on the G string against it. I know it’s possible of course, but I’m curious about note possibilities “sul G” - all the way up the G string.

---

Edit - I found this:

https://youtu.be/ddSp-10K9CI

3rd variation right about the 5 minute mark. All kind of in one place right - D-E-F on the A string, with the last leap down to the open A - examples like this are what I’m looking for.

---

I kind of want to know which notes are in reach in a position, and how much time is needed switching positions, etc.

Fingering charts tell me you can play FOUR notes on a string, like

A B C D - in one position on the G string (all of the following on the G string). Is that accurate?

B C D E

C D E F

D E F G

What about accidentals that extend this beyond a perfect 4th.

I see a “6th position” on a chart that shows F G A B within reach - but what if I wanted C D E F# in that position (3rd?)…

Also, would this be any easier on say the A and E pair of strings - I would think keeping the low C drone would be easier with no notes below it.

Also, how high can I go on the G string - and how reliably will players be able to play in tune at any given point - does it get more difficult, or eaiser as you go higher since the notes are physically closer together (though players are maybe less familiar with that region of the fingerboard).

---

How easy is it to switch positions - like realistically, could a player play a C major scale all the way up the G string (starting on the open G) while holding a C drone, and shift from position to position with little or no break.

And maybe more importantly, what about shifting from one position to a non-adcent position - or let’s say something crazy like doing a C major traid arpeggio up the G string whil keeping the low C drone going?

I can absolutely put rests in for the non-drone notes to allow for position shifts, or put the open G in between but I’m kind of wondering what I can get away with here.

It would be great if anyone has any kind of videos they can link to demonstrating this stuff.

---

What about harmonics - if I want to play natural harmonics on either side of the 8ve - are they going to come out against the low C or just get overwhelmed?

I know G, B and D are the last ones right before the fingerboard ends, and despite the B and D being a bit out of tune (B especially) would it be practical to play them against the C drone?

---

Another question about natural harmonics - I’ve seen players touch the node but it seems like they can remove their fingering hand and just keep bowing and the harmonic keeps sounding - is that right?

Like if you take your finger off the node, does it revert to the open string pitch?

Thanks in advance for any help with these.