Should You Use Guide Tapes... or Not?!

Teachers and students alike have strong feelings about using guide tapes on the fingerboard, or NOT using them. I'll explain my thoughts to help YOU make the most informed decision.
Looking for more guidance on all things cello? We've got everything for you at cellodiscovery...

[@TheBereangirl]

Thank you CaroIyn for your sound advice on this matter. I started out with four tapes in the first position, then I took them off and used a tuner. I got SO frustrated with myself, that I wasn't PERFECT after 4 months that I almost quit.🤦🏻‍♀️
Then my husband reminded me that this is for fun, so I don't need to put pressure on myself. He reminded me that it takes time to learn something as hard as the cello. So I put TWO tapes back on. One across the upper most 1/2 position and one across the upper third position. Green is my favorite color, so I used green tape. And there they will stay until I feel confident that I don't need them anymore. I'm getting there slowly, my ear is finally getting better at hearing the right notes and my hands are remembering their positions.😊🎶
Recording my playing is yet another great idea, thank you.😊

[@ezraschwartz5201]

Thank you for this Carolyn! I started playing the cello in my early 60s, Covid days, before I learned about and joind your fantastic CelloAcademy, and before I was finally able to find a local private teacher. So I learned about the tapes from CZcams videos aimed at Cello for beginners, many of them really good, but I developed almost immediately an instinctive aversion to them, probably because I am vain (you are more graceful about it in the video 😊. when my teacher wanted my to put the tapes I resentfully did but took them off within 2 weeks or so. I was motivated by a need to feel my way through the string geography, even if it meant taking a lot more time. But for me at least, it was what I wanted to do, even if there are shortcuts. I learned not to worry too much about placement, and move with the flow, slowly building the muscle and ear memory needed.

[@notmyworld44]

I started with violin at age 14, had a long performance career on double-bass, and now in retirement in my late 70s, I'm learning and playing cello in public gatherings. I have never, ever used tape on any instrument. It's always been strictly by ear training and muscle memory, and I am mostly self-taught. I don't have time to stare at tape while I'm completely occupied with staring at notation. Thanks Carolyn. You're as cute as ever, and I like your information.

[@cellodiscovery]

Excellent that you are able to do this by ear. Unfortunately, a lot of adult learners didn't get that gift. :) I do find guide tapes help a lot of early learners. But if you can hear it and train your muscles without it, then kudos - that's awesome!

[@AnneFrancke]

Thanks so much for this video I started with the cello in my 50's love the instrument my teacher also used the tape & slowly took them off to date I'm only on 1 tape he reckons I don't need them but subconsciously it kinda give me confidence I'm I a cry baby for my tapes cause I'm on book 3 with the different positions it's VERY challenging sometimes VERY difficult especially given the age factor with my wrists but no pain no gain😢 lucky for me God gifted me with a wonderful music teacher his wisdom & guidance on my health challenges are great his my hero I'm immensely blessed... TXS John God bless❤

[@cellodiscovery]

Congrats for finding a great teacher. It makes all the difference. :)

[@barriereid9244]

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