How to Learn Piano Notes and Proper Finger Placement, with Sharps and Flats

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methods

1Learn By Ear

2Learn by Sight

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Playing piano can be a hard skill to master, but with a few easy tips learning can be easier than ever!

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Learn By Ear

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1. 
   1
   Get Access to a tuned piano.

   • This is important for learning by ear, so that way you can play what you learn on other pianos without confusion.
   • If you don't have access to a tuned piano, then you can still do this step, although it will be harder transfer your skills onto another piano.
2. 
   2
   Place your right thumb on middle C.

   • Use an app or the internet to find out what middle C sounds like, than match it on your piano.
   • This is important for basic piano fingering.
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3. 
   3
   Allow the rest of your fingers to fall where they feel comfortable.
4. 
   4
   Practice playing different notes with the fingers on your right hand.

   • It might be hard at first, but as you strengthen your fingers you will find it gets easier.
   • Your fingers will begin to memorize the placement in this position.
5. 
   5
   Move your thumb around, and repeat steps 3 and 4 with your right hand.

   • Get used to moving your hand- it's important to learning all of the notes!
6. 
   6
   Repeat Steps 2-5 with your left hand.

   • Place your Left thumb on the G below middle C (3 white notes below middle C).
7. 
   7
   To do black keys (sharps and flats) simply move your fingers to the black keys wherever they feel comfortable. Then repeat steps 4 and 5.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Learn by Sight

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1. 
   1
   Have access to a piano.

   • This option is good if you're not sure your piano is in tune.
2. 
   2
   Print out a keyboard with the keys labeled (C, D, E, F, G, A, B).
3. 
   3
   Place your thumb on the key that matches the C.
4. 
   4
   Match the rest of your fingers to a key.

   • Pointer finger goes on D.
   • Middle Finger Goes on E.
   • Ring Finger goes on F.
   • Pinky Goes on G.
5. 
   5
   Strengthen your fingers on these notes.

   • Practice skipping notes and spelling words.
6. 
   6
   Move your Fingers, keeping them in the same 5-finger note position.
7. 
   7
   To play black keys, move the correct finger onto the correct key.

   • The index finger plays the note between C and D.
   • The middle finger plays the note between D and E.
   • The ring finger plays the note between F and G.
   • The pinky finger plays the note between G and A.
8. 
   8
   Repeat steps 5 and 6 with the new notes.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How do you quickly learn to play the piano?

  

  Amy Nicole Levine
  Pianist, Music Teacher, and Songwriter

  Amy Nicole Levine is a Pianist, Music Teacher, and Songwriter, based in Oakland, CA. She performs in a wide variety of genres ranging from Jazz, Classical, Funk, R&B, Gospel, Rock, Reggae, Latin, Chorale, and others. Amy teaches private piano lessons to both adults and children at her studio in Oakland. Amy plays with multiple music groups throughout the Bay Area. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from San Francisco State University.

  

  Amy Nicole Levine

  Pianist, Music Teacher, and Songwriter

  Expert Answer

  You have to practice a lot. The more you practice, the faster you'll get better. You're better off practicing every day for a short amount of time than spending hours one day and then nothing for days. You need the continuity of doing it every day. Do at least 20 minutes every day.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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Tips

• If you learn the notes, you can begin to move to either sightreading or playing by ear.
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• Practice is very important to retain the knowledge!
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• A tuned piano is very important if you want to learn by ear.
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Warnings

• While your muscles are strengthening, take 5-minute breaks every 20 minutes to avoid muscle fatigue.
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• Do not press on the keys too hard, or you could cause permanent damage to your hands.
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• Don't Give Up- Learning any Musical Instrument is a Long Process.
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