Cello problems?

There could be several reasons why the C string is not responding:

1. Rosin buildup, especially under the string - solve this by cleaning the string, especially underneath

2. the string may have slipped out of it's groove at the bridge

3. The windings may be beginning to unravel, especially between the bridge and the fingerboard. If this is so, it should be easy to see.

4. You may be approaching the string at an angle. Check your bow placement.

5. Dead String. Sometimes one or two of the cords inside the string get separated. This is not enough to make the string snap, but it can give the string a dead sound. The only way to solve this problem is to replace the string and C strings are rather expensive, so before you attempt this, show the string to a teacher or shop owner and make sure there is no other solution.

You have also reached a plateau. This is normal and will happen often, but this is probably your first one. You get to the point where you feel you cannot progress any further and you start to worry about everything. Try moving in another direction for a few days. Have some song candy (play a few of your favorite songs) Relax and remind yourself that this is a phase and it will pass. All of a sudden, several weeks from now, you will begin to improve, usually in an area that you don't even expect to improve in. Until then, stop beating yourself up and some of your problems will go away almost immediately.

Some of your pain is caused from stress. Your anxiety is being translated into your movements and because they are now less natural, they are giving you some pain. Just to be sure, make sure you discuss this with your teacher and your parents. Make sure there is nothing physiological going on and do indeed check your posture. Make sure you are comfortable and relaxed when you play. This is going to be crucial when you start playing in the upper positions. Don't give up on yourself and don't give up on your Cello. I wish you well and hope to see you again with a complaint that you can't possibly find enough music to play. Hang in there.

well take it from someone who knows what you're going through.. I used to be in that glitch... I hated practicing before and avoided it but once you get past that certain point it gets so much better and now I really miss my cello when I don't have it with me... the pain goes away with practice.. the c string might need replacing... if the other strings are normal then its not a problem with the cello... if you've changed the string and its still odd then take it to a professional luthier (sorry bout the spelling) and get it fixed! if your taking grades or something then just quit it for a while, thats what I did and I just played for pleasure, also try playing pieces that you like, it makes you want to learn and practice! hope my prattle was some use... keep practicing!

Beginners tend to use a death grip on the cello and bow and that causes pain. Talk to your teacher about it and work on getting a more relaxed hand position. In the meantime, stop playing once it starts to hurt. You can start again once your thumb stops hurting, but don't overdo it. Hand injuries from playing problems are serious.