Day of the Dowd

So you have decided to learn how to play the piano also known as “king of the instruments” thanks to its incredibly large pitch range from the lowest note that you can play on a double-bassoon to the highest note that you can play on a piccolo. The piano is an extremely versatile instrument which is probably why it is one of the most played.

If you’re planning on learning how to play without the help of a teacher then here are 6 indispensable points you need to know!

1. Find middle C

On a piano there are 12 notes that appear in repetition but in different octaves. It’s important to know where middle C is so that you can come to understand the position of the rest of the keys.

The white keys consist of C, D, E, F, G then A and B. C is located to the right of one white key and the left of 2 black keys. Middle C is the most central C note.

The black keys are sharps/flats, but I would not worry too much about knowing this when you are starting out.

2. Get used to using all of your fingers

Try the 2 exercises below to get used to using all of your fingers separately.

Place the thumb of your right hand on middle C and the little finger of the left hand on the C of the octave below (see image), play both hands at the same time going from C to G.

Now try putting your thumbs both on middle C and each of your fingers on a note with the little finger of your left hand on F and the little finger of your right hand on G. Play 1 followed by 2, 3, 4 and 5 (both hands at the same time).

3. Learn the main major and minor chords

Major chords are usually the first type of chords one learns. Along with minor chords they are the most basic, they are the ones that sound ‘happy’ whilst minor chords sound more ‘sad’. Major and minor chords consist of three notes, a root, a major third and a perfect fifth, they are usually played with the thumb, middle finger and pinkie.

Why not try out playing the below chords on your piano?

On you can transpose all guitar chords to piano to make them easy to play! Why not try and play ? You just need to know C, F, Am and G (only white key chords!)

4. Practice playing something different with each hand

A bit like tapping your head and rubbing your belly at the same time most piano pieces are played with 2 separate pieces for each hand.

Start with something simple such as playing the C chord with your right hand (so all of the notes at the same time) whilst the left hand plays the notes of the chords one after the other (C; E and G), just like this video:

Try out a few other chords too!

5. Learn how to ‘overlap’ your fingers.

On a lot of songs you might have to play more then 5 notes consecutively going up, in these cases you will need to tuck your thumb under accordingly to keep the piece flowing.

For example in the C major scale you will play C, D and E using your thumb, index and middle fingers and you will then pivot on your middle finger and tuck your thumb under onto the F (you will need to lift you elbow up a bit to do this) you can then continue to play G, A, B and then finishing on C with your little finger. Check out the notes below!

Try this coming back too with the middle finger pivoting over the thumb onto the E.

It’s important to have the correct hand position when playing too – .

6. Try playing some simple songs

Thanks to the virtual instrument display on you don’t need to be able to read music to play!

First try an easy song with no sharps or flats such as Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty (which you might recognize from the Big Bang Theory!) Click on the ‘instrument view’ in the bottom right hand corner and select piano keyboard view.

When playing songs with music for both hands make sure you practice them both separately first before bringing them together. Try for an easy song using both hands.