Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Michael Noble, PhD. Michael Noble is a professional concert pianist who received his PhD in Piano Performance from the Yale School of Music. He is a previous contemporary music fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation and has performed at Carnegie Hall and at other venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
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Have you always wanted to play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" on the piano? This song is so easy to learn, no sheet music is required. Once you find the basic notes on your piano, you can learn the simple pattern you need to play to hear "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star." With a little practice, you'll soon be playing everyone's favorite childhood song without difficulty.
Steps
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Find Middle C on your keyboard. "C" is always the white key to the immediate left of the 2 black keys, and Middle C is the C closest to the center of your keyboard. Put your thumb above the C key.- Use this picture to help you find the notes.
- Find the G key. Count four white keys to the right of Middle C. This is "G."Put your ring finger above the G key.Advertisement
- Find the A key. Locate the white key to the right of G. This key is called "A." Put your little finger above A key.
- Play the keys in the following pattern: "CC GG AA G." Play the keys in the rhythm that matches "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." If you find it helpful, sing at the same time that you press the keys to have a better idea of the rhythm.
- Note the three keys between Middle C and A that you have not yet identified. These keys are "D," "E" and "F."
- Put your ring finger above the F, your middle finger above the E, your first finger above the D, and your thumb above the C.
- Play the following pattern: "FF EE DD C." These keys match the pitches for the words, "How I wonder what you are."
- Play the next part. Place your little finger above the G, your ring finger above the F, your middle finger above the E, and your index finger on the D key.
- Play the pitches for "Up above the world so high." The keys are as follows: "GG FF EE D."
- Repeat the same pitches for "Like a diamond in the sky": GG FF EE D.
- Return to the pattern (and fingering) that you played at the beginning of the song. "Twinkle twinkle little star"—"CC GG AA G."
- Complete the song. "How I wonder what you are" FF EE DD C.
- Put the whole song together. If you have trouble memorizing it at first, write the letter names of the notes down on a piece of paper and place the paper above or below the keys on your keyboard. Look at the paper while you play until you've memorized the song.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat does good posture look like when you're sitting at the piano?
Michael Noble, PhDMichael Noble is a professional concert pianist who received his PhD in Piano Performance from the Yale School of Music. He is a previous contemporary music fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation and has performed at Carnegie Hall and at other venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Professional PianistIn general, your back should be straight, your shoulders relaxed, your hands curved, and your knuckles up. You could imagine your hands holding a ball. Remember to stay relaxed. Your elbows should be either slightly above or even with the keyboard. Your wrists should be firm, but flexible. - QuestionHow can you improve your finger dexterity on a piano?Michael Noble, PhDMichael Noble is a professional concert pianist who received his PhD in Piano Performance from the Yale School of Music. He is a previous contemporary music fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation and has performed at Carnegie Hall and at other venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Professional PianistScales are probably the best way to do this. Practicing slowly is important. Then every day increase the speed. - QuestionWhat are the notes of this song?
Community AnswerCC GG AA G (Twinkle twinkle little star)FF EE DD C (how I wonder what you are)GG FF EE D (Up above the world so high)GG FF EE D (like a diamond in the sky)CC GG AA G (Twinkle twinkle little star)FF EE DD C (how I wonder what you are.)
Video
Tips
- If you are having difficulty remembering the note names on your keyboard, place a piece of masking tape on each key. Use a pen or pencil to label each key, and then peel off the masking tape once you have the names of the keys memorized.Thanks
- The B-section is "Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky" or "GG FF EE D GG FF EE D."Thanks
- The song uses only a small amount of keys. If your piano marks the C's like mine does (if not stick a piece of masking tape with the letter on the tip of the key), then if you play the song enough your fingers will naturally fall into place along the keys. This is muscle memory, use it to your advantage.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Piano or keyboard
- Paper and pencil
About This Article
To play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" on the keyboard, start by placing your thumb on middle C, which is the C key that's closest to the middle of the keyboard. Remember, C is always the white key that's directly to the left of the 2 black keys. Once you've found middle C, place your ring finger on G, which is 4 white keys to the right of middle C. Then, place your pinkie on A, which is the white key directly to the right of G. When you're ready, play C, C, G, G, A, A, G. Now, place your index finger on D, which is directly to the right of C. Place your middle finger on E and your ring finger on F, which are both directly to the right of D. Once they're in position, play F, F, E, E, D, D, C. From there, place your middle finger on E, your ring finger on F, and your pinkie on G, and play G, G, F, F, E, E, D twice. Finish the song by playing C, C, G, G, A, A, G and F, F, E, E, D, D, C. To learn how to match the words with the notes, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
"I was so glad to get these notes, as I have a song that uses that melody that I am using in Sunday School."
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