A closer look at the cello.
Guide updated
Play a free virtual cello with four open strings and sustained cello samples. Shape a low melody with your keyboard, mouse, or touch screen.
Give your melody a deeper voice. Explore the cello’s C2–G2–D3–A3 open strings, then use the labeled note controls to build a slow phrase or a steady low accompaniment.
Play your next noteHow do I play the online cello?
In 3D view, choose Play to tap, strum, or glide across a playing surface. Hold keys or wind surfaces to sustain a note. Choose Rotate to inspect the model; scroll or pinch to zoom. Use the labeled note controls or computer keys for chords and the full range. Classic view provides the original illustrated playing surface. Press and hold a string or labeled note control to sustain its tone. Release to fade, then leave a little space before the next note. Computer keyboard shortcuts offer the same note controls.
What sounds does the virtual cello use?
Cello samples from FluidR3 GM supply the bowed sound and are looped while notes are held. Bow direction, pressure, vibrato, and physical finger positions are not simulated.
Audio & tune creditsBuild a slow line from low sustained notes
Use three pitches that span the cello room’s low and middle controls. Longer holds make the register changes clear without adding many notes.
Starting tempo: 60 BPM. Use Keep the beat for a steady pulse.
- 1C2 (A)
- 2Keep holding C2
- 3G2 (G)
- 4Keep holding G2
- 5D3 (L)
- 6Keep holding D3
- 7G2 (G)
- 8Release and rest
- Find the register changes
Locate C2, G2 and D3 in the labeled controls. Their shortcuts are A, G and L. Use a comfortable volume, particularly with headphones.
- Hold for two beats
At 60 BPM, hold C2 through beats 1 and 2, G2 through beats 3 and 4, and D3 through beats 5 and 6. Release each before moving to the next.
- Return without overlapping
Play G2 on beat 7, then release for the last beat. Repeat as a single line rather than leaving the lower notes held underneath.
Try next: Replace the middle G2 with E2 using D. Keep the durations unchanged and compare the smaller move from C2.
How do I record the cello in Resonant?
- Choose your playing controls
Choose Play in 3D view or switch to Classic. Tap a playing surface, use the labeled note controls, or press a computer-key shortcut to enable sound.
- Record your idea
Press Record above the instrument, then play your phrase. This records studio audio without using your microphone. Each take can last up to five minutes.
- Listen and keep a copy
Press Stop, open Recordings, and listen to the take. Choose Download WAV or Original audio to keep a file. Saved takes stay on this device; clearing browser storage removes them.
A few useful notes about the cello
Which open strings can I play on the cello?
The four open strings are C2, G2, D3, and A3. Hold an individual string or its labeled control to hear its sustained tone. The separate melody controls offer a simple low-note scale.
Can I practise cello bowing here?
The notes use looped cello samples. Short and long presses let you explore phrasing, but bow speed, pressure, direction, and vibrato are not simulated.