I’ve pulled out my cello, again, and again I put it away frustrated. The notes aren’t hard for me, after I’ve retuned it to match my bass. The fingering falls mostly right into place, though I find myself occasionally sliding a little flat or sharp. It’s the right hand technique that escapes me, much as it did when I started fooling around with the violin my dad loaned me. I’m still not quite getting a handle on bowing, and it’s bringing back those old feelings of wanting to throw things out of a high window.

Defenestration. Ah, good times.

I can get the low string, fine (the C for you cellists; for my purposes, I’ve dropped it to a B). It’s every other string, and especially trying to change strings in the midst of playing. Plus, I’ve totally missing out on the dynamics.

I suppose I’m going to have to give in a take a lesson or two, if I can find a cello player / teacher here in town for cheap enough. And willing to teach me just the basics, skipping things like “notes” and all that other theory stuff that I already taught myself.

Sigh. But if I can make music like this, it’s totally worth it:

(Look, cello and 24! You can’t beat it.)

Now watching: Apocalyptica (I may not be learning enough, but at least I can enjoy listening)