There are a variety of ways you can learn the piano, whether it’s with a teacher, through online resources, or using tuition books. If you decide to go down the self-teaching route, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll show you how to learn piano by yourself, guiding you through the key steps to take when starting out and highlighting areas that are especially beneficial to focus on.
From choosing the right piano to reading sheet music to understanding scales and chords, all the steps we go through should send you on your way to mastering the piano!
Key takeaways
- Choose the right piano
- Familiarise yourself with the instrument
- Learn to read sheet music
- Practise scales
- Master some easy chords
- Listen to piano music
- Practise the bass and treble clefs separately
How to learn piano by yourself
1. Choose the right piano
Whatever instrument you choose to learn, it’s crucial that you spend your money wisely! When it comes to choosing the perfect piano, your decision should be based on a few factors. First, how many keys would you like your piano to have? Do you want a full-size 88-key model, or would a smaller 73-key version be sufficient?
Next, think about the key action, i.e., how the keys feel and respond under your fingers. This is largely down to personal preference. Some players favour a light level of resistance, in which case, a non-weighted keybed is suitable. Others want a playing experience that closely resembles an acoustic piano. In that case, features like hammer action and weighted keys are worth considering.
You should also look at the audio connectivity options, such as headphone jacks, Bluetooth, and app compatibility. As a beginner, it can be a huge help to play along with a piece of music, so if you can link a smart device to the piano, that’s super useful!
It’s also a good idea to look for a piano that will support progression in skill. This can save you money in the long run and ensure that your instrument assists, rather than restricts, your development.
2. Familiarise yourself with your new instrument
Now that you have your piano, get familiar with it. The more comfortable you are when playing, the more likely you are to spend longer periods practising. To gain a good understanding of the keys, check out our piano key guide.
Another way to build familiarity with the instrument is to develop good playing technique. How you position your hands and play chords is important, as it helps you access more of the keyboard and prevents injuries that can result from poor posture. Similarly, learn how to sit comfortably. The more physically at ease you are, the more likely you are to keep playing, practising, and enjoying your time at the piano.
Adjust your seat to the right height (if possible), and make sure your bench is placed directly in the middle of the piano and at a good enough distance to move your arms and hands freely over the keys.
3. Learn how to read sheet music
This one is easier said than done, but learning how to read sheet music is fundamental to mastering classical or jazz piano (genres where you can’t necessarily just learn by ear). If you decide to take music grades, you’ll need to learn to read sheet music.
There are many ways to do this. You could use books, follow YouTube videos, or utilise the learning tools built into some digital pianos. For example, some Casio pianos offer access to Casio Music Space, selected Yamaha pianos include a flowkey trial, and some Kawai pianos offer limited subscriptions to apps like Skoove, Tomplay, and Zapiano.
Learning to read music typically starts with the basic concept of “FACE in space”, a method many musicians use to identify the notes in between the lines of a staff, from bottom to top.
For notes that fall on the lines themselves (again from bottom to top), the letters E, G, B, D, and F are used. Once you’re comfortable with these basics, you can build on your knowledge further.
4. Practise scales
They might be boring, but it’s imperative to practise scales. These help with finger strength, smooth technique, good posture, and speed. But more importantly, they teach you about keys and chords.
Five-note scales are a good place to start. They run across five adjacent white keys and help develop finger strength, coordination, and movement. This type of scale is especially useful for beginners, as each finger plays one key without the need for complex thumb movements.
The next step is octave scales. These cover eight notes and require different techniques, such as finger crossing. Learning these movements does more than just improve speed. It helps develop finger independence and prepares you for playing chords.
Scales are also a great way to warm up, familiarising yourself with the keys and making fast runs easier.
5. Master some easy chords
Even just knowing four or five basic chords is enough for you to work on some well-known songs. It’s best to begin with major and minor triads, such as C major, A minor, F major, and G major, which feature in many well-known songs.
Major and minor triads are made up of three notes: the root note, a third, and a fifth. Chords not only form the basis of many songs, but they also help you understand harmony and key signatures, training your ear to recognise why certain progressions sound good.
6. Listen to piano music
Listening to piano music is just as important as playing the instrument itself. It helps build your musical instincts and allows you to recognise patterns, phrasing, and dynamics.
If you listen to a variety of genres, you’ll gradually start to recognise the structure of different styles and the techniques pianists use to convey emotion. While having music playing in the background can still be helpful, you’ll gain the most by actively listening. Pay attention to what you’re hearing, notice what the left hand is doing, and focus on the melodies played by the right hand.
Beyond the technical benefits, listening to music is also a great source of motivation. Hearing your favourite pianists can influence your own playing style and give you something to work towards. Most importantly, listening to music you enjoy helps keep learning fun, which is essential to staying engaged with your instrument.
7. Practise the bass and treble clefs separately
When learning piano, you want both hands to be as strong and accurate as possible. So, we recommend practising the bass and treble clefs separately. By focusing on one hand at a time, you can refine each part without the distraction of coordinating both hands. This allows you to concentrate on shape, rhythm, and movement.
Once each hand is confident and the parts are well learned, you can begin playing with both hands together. This approach helps develop hand independence and is especially useful when tackling more complex pieces that include contrasting rhythms and syncopated passages.
Top tips for learning the piano
Don’t just use YouTube videos
YouTube videos can be helpful in small doses, but it’s best not to rely on them as your sole method of learning. When you’re simply following the notes on a screen, with the tutorial telling you what and when to play, you miss out on understanding the theory behind the notes. Combine YouTube with physical learning materials, such as books, to give you a more well-rounded and effective learning experience.
Start slow
One of the most common mistakes beginner players make when learning a piece is trying to play it too fast. Instead, slow the tempo down and see how you get on. You’re almost guaranteed to make better progress this way.
By playing a phrase or passage slowly, you can ensure that you’re hitting every note correctly, maintaining good posture, and absorbing the phrasing more effectively. Once you feel confident with the section, gradually increase the tempo until you reach the correct speed.
Practise regularly
The bottom line is that if you practise, you will progress. But you should also enjoy practising. In fact, the more fun you have at the piano, the more inviting it is to play. Try to find a balance between practising elements you enjoy and techniques that are essential for your development.
Having a good routine also helps you track your progress and builds confidence in your playing.
FAQs
Is it possible to learn piano on your own?
Learning piano on your own is absolutely possible with the right tools and consistent practice. Self-taught pianists can make significant progress using a mixture of resources, such as online tutorials, apps, and books tailored to beginners. However, discipline and a clear practice plan are essential to avoid developing bad habits.
What is the 80/20 rule in piano?
The 80/20 rule in piano refers to the principle that 80% of progress comes from 20% of focused effort. This means focusing on the few techniques or pieces that generate the biggest improvement. It’s a strategic way to make the most of your time and accelerate skill development.
What are the 12 notes of piano keys?
The 12 notes of piano keys are C, C♯/D♭, D, D♯/E♭, E, F, F♯/G♭, G, G♯/A♭, A, A♯/B♭, and B. These notes repeat in the same order across the keyboard in octaves. Mastering their layout is fundamental to reading music and playing scales or chords accurately.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been wondering how to learn piano by yourself, we hope that your takeaway from the article is that it can be done and it’s incredibly rewarding!
While you’re not going to become a piano expert overnight, by following the main points outlined above, you can make the most of your playing and practice. Hopefully, you’ve found this article helpful, and it has inspired you to begin your musical journey.
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