Confusion regarding tuning

[InfernalRacket7]

I'm a noob to cello playing so I'm a tad bit confused about the following:
I have some Bach Cello Suite Prelude #1 sheet music and at the top it says "in G major". Because I'm not familiar with music terminology, my question is this: Does this mean that I have to tune my cello to G, or do I keep it in standard tuning (CGDA)?

[cellotech]

With maybe 5 exceptions in the entire cello literature you will always keep the tuning the same. G major refers to the key signature, 1 sharp (f sharp instead of f natural)

Note that this is actually a difficult piece to play well. It definitely requires the help of a teacher. I don't mean to sound like I'm attacking you, because that's definitely not my intention. However the fact that you asked this question, which is legitimate for a beginner, quite clearly shows that you need a teacher and are not ready to tackle this piece.

[InfernalRacket7]

Thank you for replying. I am aware that it is a rather difficult piece to play, which is why I began the goal of learning to play it, but I am pretty confident that I will learn it without the aid of a teacher.

[Tristram]

I'm pretty new to cello, and I did the exact thing you did when I first started, and spent a few weeks floundering around attempting to learn it by myself. Now if you feel that you can learn it without a teacher, go right ahead and make us all jealous of your mad skills.

A teacher, though, will make the process much easier; You may in all likelihood learn it without help, but it will be a long and arduous task.


Good Luck!

[Escamillo]

You only need to re-tune the cello for the fifth suite, to make certain chords easier. Furthermore, I don't know this firsthand; a cellist friend told me that.

However, you leave the tuning alone for the First Suite. This is not like the guitar where you can change tunings rather easily. Tristram, you certainly win the award for understatement of the year.

I am also in the process of learning a tune that is way beyond my ability, but I am doing it with a teacher in coordination with other exercises.

[Tristram]

Do I get a Trophy?

[mftuchman]

Do I get a Trophy?

An understated one. I'll check to see if any artsy chicks on Etsy.com are making an appropriate one

[Coraline girl]

If you are a beginner, you realy need a teacher. Because you can't teach cello by yourself. It's not so easy.
But first, before you start playing and learning, you must know just some basics of music theory. You must know what "major" and "minor" means. And all scales. Because then it's much easer t understand the notes and it's also easyer to play, because of understanding.
If you know what i'm trying to say.
It's difficult, i know. So, you must learn some music theory and find a good cello teacher

Good luck with all!