Once you reach the end or beginning of the note sequence, it repeats. So when moving to the right up the keyboard, G → A → B, whereas moving to the left yields A → G → F. The 36 black keys on the keyboard represent a half-step difference in tone between white key notes. A sharp (♯) is a half-step up, and a flat (♭) a half-step down. Therefore, the black key notes have two different possible names. For example, the black note between F and G could either be called both F♯ or G♭. [2] X Research source Easily locate the C note on your keyboard by finding the white key immediately to the left of a group of 2 black keys. The C key closest to the middle of your keyboard should be middle C, which is a central note for most beginner level songs. [3] X Research source
1: represents your thumb 2: represents your index (pointer) finger 3: represents your middle finger 4: represents your ring finger 5: represents your pinky[4] X Research source
Many beginning students find scale drills an effective way of learning proper finger positioning. A scale is an uninterrupted run of notes, usually in 8 note increments, that moves up or down through a musical key. As many basic piano songs have a lot of finger notation to assist beginners, you may want to make use of these resources to practice. [5] X Research source
Try to keep your arms and shoulders relaxed as you play. This will enable you to use more of your entire body while playing and will help you achieve a better sound from the keyboard. As you press a key, you should feel the weight from your arm transferring down into the key through your fingers. Although you might think that the position of your fingers doesn’t affect your playing much, the proper form will allow more freedom and nuance in your playing. [7] X Research source
You can find the treble clef by looking to the far left of the staff. It will look similar to an “&” symbol and is also known as a G clef since its curlicue wraps around the G line on the staff. This clef is the upper of the 2 clefs. Find the bass clef on the left side of the staff. It will look like a backward “C” followed by a colon ( : ). It is the lower of the 2 clefs and known as the F clef since the 2 dots surround the F line on the staff. Notes that are especially high or low on the staff in either clef are represented by additional lines added to the staff, called ledger lines. In some cases, like when playing songs with only very high notes, you have 2 treble clefs or, for low songs, 2 bass clefs. In these cases, the bottom clef will represent your left hand. [8] X Research source
Each bold letter in the following indicates the ascending order of notes for lines and spaces in the treble clef:Lines: Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge. Spaces: F A C E Each bold letter in the following indicates the ascending order of notes for lines and spaces in the bass clef:Lines: Good Boys Do Fine Always. Spaces: All Cars Eat Gas. [9] X Research source
When there are no sharps or flats, the key is C major and all natural notes are played on white keys. The relative minor of C major is A. Generally, with each sharp/flat added to the key signature, a previously white key note becomes a black key note. Major keys: G (1 sharp), D (2 sharps), A (3), E (4), B (5), F# (6), C# (7), C♭ (7 flats), G♭ (6 flats), D♭ (5), A♭ (4), E♭ (3), B♭ (2), F♭ (1). Minor keys: E (1 sharp), B (2 sharps), F# (3), C# (4), G# (5), D# (6), E♭ (6 flats), B♭ (5 flats), F (4), C (3), G (2), D (1). [10] X Research source
Sixteenth note: is held for a quarter of a beat (as in 1-x-x-x+2-x-x-x+3-x-x-x+4-x-x-x | 1-x-x-x. . . ) Eighth note (♪): is held for half a beat (as in 1-x+2-x+3-x+4-x | 1-x+2-x. . . ) Quarter note (♩): is held for 1 beat (as in 1+2+3+4 | 1+2. . . ) Half note: is held for 2 beats (as in 1-2+3-4 | 1-2 + 3-4. . . ) Whole note: is held for 4 beats (as in 1-2-3-4 | 1-2-3-4. . . )[12] X Research source
As the top number lets you know beats per measure, each measure in 4/4 time gets 4 beats (as in 1+2+3+4 | 1+2+3+4. . . ). In 3/4 time, you’ll have 3 beats per measure (as in 1+2+3 | 1+2+3. . . ), and so on. Add a 1 on top of the bottom number of the time signature to find which note equals a single beat. Normally, this will be 1/4, meaning that a quarter note stands for a whole beat. However, in cut time (2/2 time), this number is 1/2, so a half note equals a single beat, a whole note 2 beats, a quarter note half a beat, and so on. In this way, note rhythms can sometimes change. [13] X Research source
Sixteenth rests: pause for a quarter of a beat Eighth rests: pause for a half of a beat Quarter rests: pause for 1 beat Half rests: pause for 2 beats Whole rests: pause for 4 beats[14] X Research source
Natural marks can also remove the natural sharps or flats of the key you are in. For example, in the key of D major, the notes F and C are always sharped, even without an accidental. [15] X Research source Applying a natural to these notes would remove the sharp for a measure.
You can find basic piano materials at your local music store, book store, or through an online retailer. If you have some music experience, you may want to visit a music store to ask a knowledgeable representative about what book to start with. With enough time and dedication, even beginners can learn moderate to difficult songs. However, be mindful that difficult songs could be too difficult for your level and lead you to getting discouraged. [16] X Research source
Circle or highlight fingering that looks difficult or is unusual. In particular, beginners often struggle with interval jumps (like from C to F). Write in the note names for notes written on ledger lines above or below the staff, as these can also be difficult to read. [17] X Research source
Play through the right hand. Play slowly, with a steady rhythm, until you have completed the section you are working on. Practice this until you can play the notes smoothly to a steady beat. Repeat your single-handed play through with your left hand. Consider using a metronome, set to a slow tempo, to help you keep a steady beat. This can help you get a better feel for rhythm. [18] X Research source As your playing improves, increase the speed at which you play. As you increase your speed, you should start to hear the melody of the song come together. [19] X Research source
Switch between hands when practicing so you don’t tire out one hand more than the other. If you notice you consistently have trouble with certain parts of music, like with large interval jumps or runs, you may want to drill these. Drills can be found in most practice books or online. [20] X Research source
As your hands become more familiar with the song and play it more fluidly, increase the speed until you are playing the song at a normal pace. More complex rhythms, like combinations of eighth and sixteenth notes, might take more time to come together. Some basic music books may teach treble and bass clefs one at a time to encourage mastering each hand before putting hands together. [21] X Research source
Many songs, especially older ones, have become public domain. This means the song is free for everyone. Search for free public domain sheet music for songs online.
For most benches, you’ll find that you can adjust the height by turning a knob mechanism or pressing a spring release under or behind the bench. [24] X Research source
Beyond the technical complications created by poor keyboard posture, slouching can also negatively impact your presence when playing. [26] X Research source
If you have a consistent posture problem, you might want to set up a full length mirror to the side of your bench. This way, periodically while playing, you can look over and check your own posture. [27] X Research source
