The electric cello is a pickup-based electric instrument based on its cousin, the acoustic cello. The majority of its body is an exact or similar replica of its wooden acoustic prototype and it most often has four strings, tuned to notes a perfect fifth apart: C, G, D, and A. Unlike its cousin, however, it rarely has a full body, instead, it consists of a long piece of wood or fiberglass behind the bridge, down to the endpin, that acts as a surrogate body. Implanted in the sides of this piece of wood are two molded plastic rests, which allow the musician to hold the instrument as one holds a cello - between the legs.

Despite attempts by manufacturers and enthusiasts, the electric model has failed to capture the same audience as the traditional, especially since detachable electric pick-ups on the traditional cello allow for the same volume, without the need for an entirely new instrument. However, over time, quality of tone has increased, and many professional players, especially those interested in newer fields of music, electronic or otherwise, have taken advantage of some of their more noticeable traits in comparison to the acoustic - mainly, that the sound can be more easily manipulated (like an electric guitar with effects pedals), leading to an almost unlimited list of possiblities and uses for the instrument.