Beginner Tips #1 on Learning Piano/Keyboard
By Matt Jamison
You just purchased or been gifted your first keyboard or piano and you’re ready to go! You’ve heard and watched many videos about music theory and how to begin your musical journey. Luckily for you , with all the free instructional content online these days you will be up and playing in no time. No guarantee you’ll be playing as great as John Legend after reading this article but you’ll be able to at least know your way around the piano or keyboard. Let’s review a few beginner tips on learning the piano/keyboard.
1. Learn the Notes on the Keyboard
Your Piano/Keyboard is made up of notes/keys. Notes are the symbols that represent the pitch of the sound coming out of your instrument. You will see a series of 2 black notes/keys and then 3 black notes/keys with white notes/keys in between. We will only be discussing the white for now. The notes are in alphabetical order from A to G. “Officially” , the C note/Key in the middle of the piano is where the beginning is . Each cycle consist of 8 notes and repeats itself.
C, D, E, F, G, A, B and C again
2. Finger Numbering
All Ten fingers are numbered to coincide with the notes/keys played on your keyboard or piano. On your left hand numbering starts at 1 from your pinky and ends at 5 on your thumb. Your right hand numbering starts at 1 from your thumb and ends at 5 on your pinky. Beginners will generally start with their right hand and press the C note/key with finger number 1 and continue to the right according to the notes on the sheet music. ( Which will be discussed in further detail later )
3. Hand Positioning and Posture
Hand positioning is very important! The improper hand positioning can damage your wrist and make you play horribly. Hands should be relaxed and in a cupped position. Your back should be straight and not slouched , The correct posture is even more important for a pianist or keyboardist that sings while playing. When your back is slouched it can restrict airflow and reflects terrible stage presence.
4. The C Major Scale
The C major scale is a set of musical notes that are played in order by frequency and pitch. The C major scale is the most fundamental and commonly used scale. So lets give it a try.
Step 1 : Using your right hand, place finger 1 on C, finger 2 on D, and finger 3 on E.
Step 2: Next, pull finger 1 under fingers 2 & 3 and place on F, place finger 2 on G , place finger 3 on A , finger 4 on B and finger 5 on C. You have just completed the C scale. Great Job!!