Left Hand Basics

(Below are pictures of cello and bass left hand positions.)

Here are 2 pictures of violin/viola left hands. The one on the left is correct. The one on the right is not. On the correct hand notice the thumb pointing toward the ceiling, the straight wrist and the tall square first finger.

The picture on the left is a correct cello left hand. The picture on the right is incorrect. On the correct picture notice the well spaced, arched fingers and the thumb directly behind the 2nd finger at the back of the neck. Another common cello problem is when the fingers "cave in" at the first knuckle and are not gently arched from hand to tip of finger

 
The picture on the left is a correct bass left hand. The picture on the right is incorrect. On the correct picture notice the well spaced, arched fingers and the thumb directly behind the 2nd finger at the back of the neck. Another common bass problem is when the fingers "cave in" at the first knuckle and are not gently arched from hand to tip of finger

Don't worry! These are things you will learn in your Orchestra Class!