{"id":24307,"date":"2023-03-27T12:50:10","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T11:50:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/?p=24307"},"modified":"2025-02-14T10:59:57","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T10:59:57","slug":"how-to-play-piano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Play Piano &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#In_a_nutshell%E2%80%A6\" >In a nutshell\u2026\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#How_to_play_piano\" >How to play piano<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#1_Choose_the_right_piano\" >1. Choose the right piano! \u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#2_Sit_at_the_piano_comfortably\" >2. Sit at the piano comfortably<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#3_Familiarise_yourself_with_the_piano_keys\" >3. Familiarise yourself with the piano keys<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#4_Start_with_easy_sheet_music\" >4. Start with easy sheet music\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#5_Learn_note_lengths_and_timings\" >5. Learn note lengths and timings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#6_Practise_scales\" >6. Practise scales<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#7_Learn_some_chords\" >7. Learn some chords<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#8_Explore_different_genres\" >8. Explore different genres<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#9_Practise_some_easy_songs_to_get_started\" >9. Practise some easy songs to get started<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#10_Keep_practising\" >10. Keep practising!\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#Can_I_teach_myself_to_play_piano\" >Can I teach myself to play piano?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#What_is_the_8020_rule_for_piano_practice\" >What is the 80\/20 rule for piano practice?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#Is_it_ever_too_late_to_learn_piano\" >Is it ever too late to learn piano?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">piano<\/a><\/strong> is one of the most versatile instruments out there, used for melody, harmony, and pretty much any genre of music. Plus, these days, there are pianos in so many places that you can just sit and play wherever you like. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s been shown that learning a musical instrument has a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/benefits-of-playing-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">huge number of benefits<\/a><\/strong>: memory, cognitive, and mental health improvements, to name a few. You&#8217;re never<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> too old to learn, either. Many of these benefits apply no matter how old you are and whether or not you\u2019re in school. One of the biggest regrets people have is never learning a musical instrument. Knowing\u00a0<strong>how to play piano\u00a0<\/strong>is a seriously impressive skill!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are also many resources around to help you learn to play piano, from teachers and music schools to online guides and apps. Really, there hasn\u2019t been a better time to pick up a new skill.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> To get you started, we&#8217;ve put together a 10-step guide to playing the piano that should help you get to grips with the basics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;In a nutshell\u2026 &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_a_nutshell%E2%80%A6\"><\/span><strong>In a nutshell\u2026\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here\u2019s the rundown of our 10-step guide to learning piano!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choose the right piano!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Sit at the piano comfortably<\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Familiarise yourself with the piano keys <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Start with easy sheet music<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learn note lengths and timings<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Practise scales<\/li>\n<li><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">Learn some chords\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explore different genres<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Practise some easy songs to get started <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep practising!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By the end of this, you\u2019ll have a good basis for going forward and playing piano. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;How to play the piano in 10 steps &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_play_piano\"><\/span><strong>How to play piano<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Choose_the_right_piano\"><\/span><strong>1. Choose the right piano! \u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first step is to choose the right piano for you. Pianos can come in various shapes and sizes and with different features, so it\u2019s useful to think about what you intend to play and where your piano will be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are three main types of piano, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\/digital-pianos\/stage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stage<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\/digital-pianos\/upright\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">digital uprights<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\/digital-pianos\/grand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">digital grand<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> pianos. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stage pianos<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are the most portable and they will still most likely have some degree of weighting on their keys. Our <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/SDP-2-Stage-Piano-by-Gear4music\/1D57\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SDP-2<\/a><\/strong> is a good example of a stage piano.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6z5AKFtI1t0?si=DehwqugeqMGUKo1e\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Digital uprights<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are a great option for most people who want a piano as a permanent feature in their home. Our <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/DP-6-Digital-Piano-by-Gear4music\/X25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DP-6<\/a><\/strong> is an affordable upright piano for beginners.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Digital grands<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are the most expensive digital pianos you can buy and have the most realistic sounds and key weighting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You&#8217;ll most likely be better off with the full 88 keys for your piano; fewer keys can restrict the music you can play. Having said that, smaller pianos might be useful if you don\u2019t have much space or would rather have something portable. Usually, only stage pianos will have fewer than 88 keys. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The other important thing to consider is keyboard <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">action<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is how the keys feel under your fingers &#8211; how much resistance they have when you press them down, how they feel when they spring back up when you release them, and how the material of the keys feels.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All of this is important for an authentic-feeling piano. An acoustic piano feels a certain way due to the complex and intricate series of mechanisms inside. Most digital pianos strive to emulate this as much as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Find out about keyboard action in our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/semi-weighted-vs-weighted-keys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">semi-weighted vs. weighted keys guide<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Sit_at_the_piano_comfortably\"><\/span><strong>2. Sit at the piano comfortably<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24497 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Casio grand piano\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Good <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">posture<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is key for the best playing technique on any instrument. The piano is no exception. Bad posture can impede how well you can play and could lead to potentially painful and debilitating injuries later in life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remember to <strong>relax<\/strong>; you don\u2019t want any tension in your muscles when playing as this makes it more difficult to play.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Once you become confident, your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">muscle memory<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> will take over.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are some specific tips for sitting at the piano. Remember, if you find it\u2019s hurting or not working well for you, it\u2019s <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">always<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> better to check with a teacher or other pianist about whether you\u2019re doing the right thing!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sit on your piano stool with your<strong> feet flat<\/strong> on the floor. Your wrists should be above the keys and your<strong> fingers should be slightly bent<\/strong> into an arc. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Bend your arms slightly.<\/strong> There should be an almost straight line from your elbows to where your fingers arc. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your arm has to bend upwards to get at the keyboard, you need to raise your stool. If your arm is bending downwards to access the keys, your stool needs lowering. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remember to <strong>sit up straight but keep relaxed.<\/strong> Check your shoulders as they can often tense up without you realising.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When pressing the keys,<strong> use the whole weight of your arm<\/strong>, rather than just your fingers. This will reduce the risk of you getting tired and help you achieve much more power and sound from your piano. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Familiarise_yourself_with_the_piano_keys\"><\/span><strong>3. Familiarise yourself with the piano keys<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The key layout can appear complicated but it\u2019s actually quite simple. There are white keys and black keys: white notes are any note without a sharp (<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u266f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) or a flat (<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u266d) and the black keys are sharps\/flats.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first thing you should do is find <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> on the piano. This is located before the group of two black keys, as shown in the diagram below.\u00a0<strong>Middle C\u00a0<\/strong>is the most important note you&#8217;ll need to find and it sits &#8211; you guessed it &#8211; in the middle.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The logo of your piano\u2019s manufacturer will usually be around this part, so have a look for that to find middle C. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All the notes between the two Cs make up an <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">octave<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which is eight notes. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Playing all the white notes from C to C would be a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C major scale<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">! We\u2019ll talk more about scales later in this guide.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The black notes are the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sharp<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> of the white note to the left of it or the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">flat<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> of the white note to the right of it. So, the first black note after C is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C\u266f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">D\u266d.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can see that between most white notes there\u2019s a black key. We say that between two notes, like C and D, is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">full step<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tone<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. And a C\u266f, the black key, is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">half-step<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">semitone<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) from C or D.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> Notes B to C and E to F are also known as semitones as there is no black key between them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, why are there no sharps or flats between E and F or B and C? There are two reasons. First, the black notes are grouped in twos and threes as described earlier, which makes it easier to find your way around the piano. Secondly, in a C major scale, there\u2019s only a half-step (semitone) between E and F and B and C.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24411 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Music-Theory-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"A keyboard diagram\" width=\"1080\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Music-Theory-1-1.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Music-Theory-1-1-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Music-Theory-1-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Music-Theory-1-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Music-Theory-1-1-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Music-Theory-1-1-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Start_with_easy_sheet_music\"><\/span><strong>4. Start with easy sheet music\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reading sheet music is a very important skill to have for many types of music.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Music is written on what\u2019s known as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">stave<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">staff<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This has five lines, with notes placed either on the lines or in the gaps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are two clefs that you must read on piano: <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">treble<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bass<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The treble clef is for notes in the instrument&#8217;s upper range, and the bass clef is used for the lower notes. These two staves together are known as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">grand staff<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some notes may be higher or lower than the notes on a stave, so we draw extra lines to place notes on or in gaps. These are called <strong>ledger lines<\/strong>. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Middle C on the treble clef is on the first ledger line below the stave, middle C on the bass clef is on the first ledger line about the stave. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now you know where middle C is, you can work out the other notes. The higher up the stave, the higher the note on the piano. You might find it useful to use some acronyms to help you learn piano and remember the notes on the stave.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For example, in treble clef, the four spaces in the stave make up the word \u201c<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FACE<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d, so it\u2019s helpful to remember <strong>&#8220;<\/strong><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FACE in space&#8221;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sometimes, a mnemonic works too. <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">E<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">very <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">G<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ood <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">B<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">oy Does Fine<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a good one for remembering which notes are on the five lines in treble clef: EGBDF<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On bass clef, the spaces can be remembered with <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ll <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ows <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">E<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">at <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">G<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rass<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The lines can be remembered with <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">G<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ood Burritos Don&#8217;t Fall Apart<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These are handy things to use when learning how to play piano, and eventually, you won&#8217;t need them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When you\u2019re learning to read, you\u2019ll start recognising <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">patterns<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> such as the shape of a scale or how certain chords look. You won\u2019t necessarily be reading every individual note, much like how you don\u2019t read every single letter when reading words.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24428 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Notes-on-a-stave.jpg\" alt=\"Notes on a stave\" width=\"1080\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Notes-on-a-stave.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Notes-on-a-stave-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Notes-on-a-stave-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Notes-on-a-stave-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Notes-on-a-stave-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Notes-on-a-stave-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Learn_note_lengths_and_timings\"><\/span><strong>5. Learn note lengths and timings<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, we\u2019ve learned how each note sits on a stave, but we still need to learn how to read rhythm. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We split music into bars to keep things organised, and each bar contains a certain number of beats. Rhythms are usually grouped within these bars and will repeat. This is how music makes us feel like dancing. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many piano pieces for beginners, as well as most popular music, are in <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4\/4<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">common time<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This basically means there are four beats in a bar.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A beat is known as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">crotchet<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">quarter note<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These are solid colour notes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A note held for two beats is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">minim<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">half note<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These aren&#8217;t solid-filled. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A crotchet can be split in half by putting a little tail off the side of the note\u2019s stem. This is known as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">quaver<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">eighth note<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From here, it\u2019s fairly simple to figure out note values, a quaver can be further divided by two by adding another little tail, this makes it a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">semiquaver<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">16<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> note<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Each extra tail further divides the note by two, a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">32<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nd<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> note is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">demisemiquaver<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">64<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> note is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hemidemisemiquaver<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These really short notes aren\u2019t super common as the music has to be very very slow for such notes to be practical to play.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You will also encounter <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">semibreves<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, these last four beats. So, for many pieces of music, that\u2019s a whole bar.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another thing to look out for with rhythm is <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">dots<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Dots are simple once you know what they do, but can be tricky to learn how to play at first.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A dot adds half the note\u2019s value onto the note that is dotted. So a crotchet with a dot is equivalent to a crotchet and a quaver. A <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">dotted quaver<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> would be a quaver and a semiquaver.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24430 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Note-lengths-and-timings-.jpg\" alt=\"Note lengths and timings\u00a0\" width=\"1080\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Note-lengths-and-timings-.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Note-lengths-and-timings--600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Note-lengths-and-timings--1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Note-lengths-and-timings--768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Note-lengths-and-timings--980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Note-lengths-and-timings--480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Practise_scales\"><\/span><strong>6. Practise scales<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24498 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Yamaha P45 Digital Piano\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Scales<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are important for many reasons. They&#8217;re how you compose melodies and know which notes work well together.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They also help you build your knowledge of <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">music theory<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and unlock the potential of the piano. Plus, you&#8217;ll improve your general playing techniques and become much more comfortable with finding your way around the keyboard. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So where\u2019s best to start with scales? The first scale we\u2019d recommend is <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C major<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which is quite easy to play. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s start with just the right hand. The first thing you should do is get used to the process of playing different keys. So place your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thumb<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> on middle C. Then each other finger in your hand should naturally rest over a note up to G.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now practice playing from C to G and then back down to C again. Keep doing this until you\u2019re comfortable with using each finger individually to press notes down. Try and ensure each note you play is the same volume. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before we move onto the full scale we should first talk about fingers. We usually refer to fingers with numbers to tell people what fingers go where. This is common across all instruments, and piano is no exception. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With piano, the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thumb<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (on both hands) is your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">first finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, written as \u201c<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d on sheet music. The rest of your fingers are numbered up to <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">five<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">5<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) which is your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pinky finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This makes telling what fingers to put where with scales much easier. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s move onto the full scale! Your right hand is going to have to move to get all the notes in this scale, and this is probably the trickiest part. Instead of playing up to G, like we did earlier, when you play E you need to place your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thumb<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">first finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) on the F key. Then you\u2019ll see that your fingers will line up nicely with the notes with your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fifth finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pinky<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) on C.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Coming back down the scale is the same. Once your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thumb<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">first finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) has played the F, then you want to move your middle finger (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">third finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) to the E below it. Then you can keep going down the scale to finish on C.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Learn_some_chords\"><\/span><strong>7. Learn some chords<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24499 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Alesis piano\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Chords<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are the basic building blocks of music, most songs are built from a series of chords, known as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">chord progression<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They&#8217;re comprised of three or more notes. A three-note chord is called a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">triad<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and comprises a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">root<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">third,<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fifth<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The root is the key centre of the chord; it&#8217;s also known as the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tonic<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Often, it\u2019s the bottom note in the chord, but not always. The tonic is the most important note of the chord and is most often played in the bass too.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The fifth, known as the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">dominant<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, is the second most important note in the chord. It\u2019s made of the fifth note above the root note. Think of the root and fifth providing the framework for the rest of the chord.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The third, known as the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">mediant<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, is the third note above the root. It gives a chord the unique sound which determines if it\u2019s a major or minor chord.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s try a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C major chord<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">! The root note will be C, as it\u2019s a C chord. Its fifth is a G, as you count five notes from C (C, D, E, F, and G). The third will be E (C, D, and E). This is easy to play with one hand. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use your first finger (thumb) to play the C, the third finger to play the E, and your fifth finger to play the G. That\u2019s a C major chord!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Major chords are often described as \u201chappy\u201d and minor chords are described as \u201csad\u201d. So, let\u2019s try a C minor chord.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We now know C major so C minor is easy. The C and the G are the same &#8211; the root and fifth never change in major or minor chords. Only the third changes, you lower, or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">flatten<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, the note by a semitone.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So instead of an E with your third finger, play the black key to the left of the E to play an E<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u266d. Now you have a C minor chord. This relationship is the same across all chords; the minor always has a third that is flattened by a semitone. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some songs are written with <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">chord charts<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These just supply the chords you should play but not much else \u2013 you can decide what rhythm\/voicing to play!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C major chords on chord charts would be written as \u201cC\u201d and C minor is \u201cCm\u201d. You may see other things such as \u201cC7\u201d or \u201cCmaj7\u201d. These often are asking for extra notes on top of the original triad, so they would be a four-note chord rather than three. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Explore_different_genres\"><\/span><strong>8. Explore different genres<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24500 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Jazz-piano-tuition-book-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Jazz piano tuition book\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Jazz-piano-tuition-book-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Jazz-piano-tuition-book-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Jazz-piano-tuition-book-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Jazz-piano-tuition-book-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Jazz-piano-tuition-book-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Jazz-piano-tuition-book-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Jazz-piano-tuition-book-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Jazz-piano-tuition-book.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The range of music you can play on piano is extremely broad. Piano is seen in almost every genre of music and even types of music without piano might include some sort of keyboard instrument, like a synth or MIDI keyboard.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The benefit of piano is that you can play pretty much anything on it thanks to its ability to play both chords and melodies.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here\u2019s a taste of what\u2019s out there.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Classical music<\/strong> is great &#8211; you get to play some wonderful pieces by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, and Brahms. Learning classical pieces is primarily done through reading sheet music, although once you\u2019ve learnt the piece, the music should only serve as a reminder of what you are playing. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Jazz<\/strong> is another hugely popular music tradition that you may be taught. It can involve much more improvisation than just reading sheet music, so learning your chords and scales is hugely important for jazz as knowing which chords to play and which scales work with them is what makes a great jazz pianist. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Popular music<\/strong> is another broad music tradition that you&#8217;ll recognise immediately as it&#8217;s much of what you hear on the radio. From rock &#8216;n&#8217; roll to R&#8217;n&#8217;B and hip-hop, pop music has a huge variety that you could play on piano. Like jazz, you might find yourself improvising and reading chord sheets rather than scores, or you may learn by ear. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learning well-known tunes can also allow you to play in function bands and earn some decent money playing at events like weddings or parties. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Practise_some_easy_songs_to_get_started\"><\/span><strong>9. Practise some easy songs to get started<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24502 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Grand piano\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Practising some <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/easy-piano-songs-for-beginners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">easy piano songs<\/a><\/strong> is where you&#8217;ll want to start when getting to grips with the instrument. Not only will you have a piece of music under your belt that you can perform to friends and family, but learning an actual tune helps you focus on making <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">music<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> rather than just theory.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A common pitfall for beginner pianists is getting preoccupied with perfect technique and rhythm, which can lead them to forget to play musically. Learning songs helps with this. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are three songs you should learn to play while you\u2019re starting out. And they&#8217;re not just for beginners, they\u2019re also pieces of music performed by professionals in concerts. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;Chopsticks&#8221;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a classic beginner&#8217;s piece that is popular because you can play it with just two fingers, making it perfect if you\u2019re just starting out. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Satie\u2019s &#8220;Gymnop\u00e9dies&#8221;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a simple but beautiful piece of music that&#8217;s really easy to learn and play. What\u2019s great about this piece is that you can take it very slowly, concentrating on mastering the notes and adding expression. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bach\u2019s &#8220;Well Tempered Clavier&#8221;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> might seem complex and intimidating but it\u2019s fantastic for beginners. Bach&#8217;s music sounds extremely satisfying even if you\u2019re playing it very slowly &#8211; a sign of a really well-written piece! It\u2019s also very technical and a great way to learn keys and scales. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sheet music for these pieces and more can be found at imslp.org, and most of them are free. Moreover, free chord sheets (and tabs if you play guitar or know any players) can be found at ultimateguitar.com. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Keep_practising\"><\/span><strong>10. Keep practising!\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-24503 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Upright piano\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>You won\u2019t be a virtuoso overnight (wouldn\u2019t that be nice!) but you&#8217;ll see progress if you keep practising as much as possible. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even if it\u2019s ten minutes of practice every day, you&#8217;ll soon see improvements in your technique. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Practice is one of the hardest things about playing any instrument. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some days might be frustrating and you feel you haven\u2019t made any progress, but that\u2019s fine! Every musician, no matter how great they are, will have these moments. It\u2019s perseverance that brings the best results. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sometimes structuring your practice can help too. For example, you could start with scales as these are a great way to warm up. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Like with sport, it\u2019s useful to get your fingers warmed up and get yourself in the right frame of mind for some good practice. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;FAQs&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_teach_myself_to_play_piano\"><\/span><strong>Can I teach myself to play piano?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>You can successfully teach yourself to play piano &#8211; and there are plenty of online resources to help you learn, for example, YouTube tutorials or step-by-step guides such as this! If you&#8217;re dedicated, disciplined, and enthusiastic about furthering your skills, you can become an natural piano player.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_8020_rule_for_piano_practice\"><\/span><strong>What is the 80\/20 rule for piano practice?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The 80\/20 rule for piano practice is that you spend 80% of your practice session focusing on 20% of the score you&#8217;re learning. This might seem like a lot of effort for such a small section of music, but repetitive practice on the hard parts that require more skill and focus will mean that you&#8217;ll eventually be able to play them smoothly and almost effortlessly. This benefits the rest of the piece of music.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_ever_too_late_to_learn_piano\"><\/span><strong>Is it ever too late to learn piano?\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s never too late to learn piano, or any instrument for that matter. Learning a musical instrument has a whole raft of benefits to your motor skills and brain functioning that will help anyone, no matter the age. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Final thoughts &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final thoughts\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you&#8217;ve been wondering <strong>how to play piano<\/strong>, we hope our step-by-step guide has helped! Once you\u2019ve mastered the basics, you\u2019ll be able to impress people with your skills. You can start playing in bands, gigging, or even try writing your own music to express your creativity further!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you&#8217;re looking for your first piano or an upgrade, have a look at our website &#8211; there&#8217;s bound to be one that catches your eye. And check out our blog for more useful guides to piano and any other instruments you\u2019re interested in!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\/digital-pianos&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP PIANOS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6ee07a9-4e60-40b4-a547-e1aa0a89644a&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; button_border_radius=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; button_on_hover=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;13.3vw||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;9px|45px|9px|30px|true|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;15px|45px|15px|30px|true|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;||height: 44px !important;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b%22:%91%22button_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22button_border_color%22,%22button_icon_color%22,%22button_bg_color__hover%22%93}&#8221; custom_css_main_element_tablet=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221; custom_css_main_element_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_bg_color__hover=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; button_bg_enable_color__hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_text_color__hover=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_icon_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_icon_color__hover=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_css_main_element_phone=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/category\/pianos-keyboards\/piano-guides\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;READ MORE PIANO GUIDES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6ee07a9-4e60-40b4-a547-e1aa0a89644a&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; button_border_radius=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; button_on_hover=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;13.3vw||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;9px|45px|9px|30px|true|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;15px|45px|15px|30px|true|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;||height: 44px !important;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b%22:%91%22button_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22button_border_color%22,%22button_icon_color%22,%22button_bg_color__hover%22%93}&#8221; custom_css_main_element_tablet=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221; custom_css_main_element_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_bg_color__hover=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; button_bg_enable_color__hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_text_color__hover=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_icon_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_icon_color__hover=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_css_main_element_phone=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The first step is to choose the right piano for you. Pianos can come in various shapes and sizes and with different features, so it\u2019s useful to think about what you intend to play and where your piano will be.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":24528,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The piano is one of the most versatile instruments out there. You can play melodic music, chords, and pretty much any genre of music. Plus, these days, there are pianos in so many places that you can just sit and play wherever you like. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are also many resources around to help you learn to play, from teachers and music schools to online guides and apps. Really, there hasn\u2019t been a better time to learn!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s been shown that learning a musical instrument has a huge number of benefits. It can improve your memory, strengthen areas in your brain that help with maths and science, have good effects on your mental health, and improve your skills in independent learning. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can never be too old to learn, either. Many of these benefits apply no matter how old you are or whether you\u2019re in school anymore. One of the biggest regrets people have is never learning a musical instrument. So why not start now?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">In a nutshell\u2026<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here\u2019s the rundown of our 11-step guide to learning piano!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ol><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choose the right piano!\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choose your resource<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sitting at the piano<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Piano keys\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reading sheet music<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Note lengths and timings<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Scales, scales, scales<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are chords?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Different genres<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Easy songs to get started\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep practising!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By the end of this, you\u2019ll have a good basis for going forward and playing piano. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">How to play the piano in 11 steps\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">1. Choose the right piano! <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24495 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/SDP-2-Stage-Piano-by-Gear4music-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"SDP-2 Stage Piano by Gear4music\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>The first step is to choose the right piano for you. Pianos can come in various shapes and sizes and with different features, so it\u2019s useful to think about what you intend to play and where your piano will be.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are three main types of piano, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">stage<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">digital uprights<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">digital grand<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> pianos. <\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stage pianos<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are the most portable and they will still most likely have some degree of weighting on their keys. Our <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/SDP-2-Stage-Piano-by-Gear4music\/1D57\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SDP-2<\/a><\/strong> is a good example of a stage piano.<\/span><\/p><p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/pianos-keyboards\/digital-pianos\/stage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stage pianos<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Digital uprights<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are a great option for most people who just want a piano in their home. They can be a nice addition to a room and provide an authentic-feeling and sounding instrument for you to learn on. Our <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/DP-6-Digital-Piano-by-Gear4music\/X25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DP-6<\/a><\/strong> is an affordable upright piano that is especially good for beginners.<\/span><\/p><p>Shop now |<strong> <a href=\"\/pianos-keyboards\/digital-pianos\/upright\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Digital upright pianos<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Digital grands<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are the most expensive digital pianos you can buy. They feature the most realistic sounds and weighting as well as being large centrepieces for rooms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Shop now | <strong><a href=\"\/pianos-keyboards\/digital-pianos\/grand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Digital grand pianos<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You'll most likely be better off with the full 88 keys for your piano; fewer keys can restrict the music you can play. Smaller pianos might be useful if you don\u2019t have much space or would rather have something that\u2019s very portable. Usually, only stage pianos will have less than 88 keys. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The other important thing to consider is <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">action<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is how the keys feel under your fingers - how much resistance they have when you press them down, how they feel when they spring back up when you release them, and how the material of the keys feels.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All of this is important for an authentic-feeling piano. An acoustic piano feels a certain way due to the complex and intricate series of mechanisms inside. Most digital pianos strive to emulate this as much as possible. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Words you should look out for when looking at pianos are \u201c<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">semi-weighted<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d and \u201c<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hammer action<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Semi-weighted<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> means that there's some resistance to the keys when you press them down. Often, this isn\u2019t as advanced as <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hammer action<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which uses complex mechanics to emulate the touch of an acoustic piano.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Casio-CDP-S110-Digital-Piano-Black\/42X2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Casio CDP S110<\/a><\/strong> is a good example of a hammer-action keyboard. Its Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II System replicates the extra resistance on lower notes due to the heavier hammers in their acoustic counterparts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many pieces for piano involve the use of pedals, so it\u2019s always good to get a piano with them. Most digital uprights and grands will have all three pedals you need. Stage pianos may not but they\u2019ll have a connector on the back for a sustain pedal - and there are many to choose from! <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Roland-F107-Digital-Piano\/50G4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Roland F107<\/a><\/strong> features a stylish cabinet that incorporates all three pedals. This is a great idea if you really want to have full flexibility and versatility.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">2. Choose your resource<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24496 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Pam-Wedgwoods-Piano-Basics-tuition-book-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Pam Wedgwood's Piano Basics tuition book\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>In today\u2019s world, there are many ways to learn piano. Which is best for you?\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many musicians are <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">self-taught<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, they learn by just playing around on the instrument or buying music and teaching themselves how to read and play. Frank Zappa and Elton John, for example, both taught themselves to play piano and built hugely successful careers.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some may argue that self-teaching can lead to poor technique that can hamper your playing. This is possible for certain types of music but many musicians argue that there's nothing wrong with having a way of playing a piece of music that works well for you!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can also learn piano through <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">online tutorials or apps<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These provide more structured guidance on playing the piano and can educate you on good techniques. Many apps have interactive play-along songs that give you live feedback on how you\u2019re doing. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Both of these methods can be cheaper than having a teacher, however, they do have some drawbacks.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The main issue with self-teaching and using online resources is the lack of in-person feedback for your playing. This is where the more traditional <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in-person tuition<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> really shines.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are many nuances in playing that you or an app\/online tutorial cannot pick up on. A trained professional teacher can point out these things and prevent bad habits from occurring. There\u2019s also a boost of motivation when you have a great teacher who\u2019s passionate about playing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can also avoid any bad habits in your posture or playing position that might cause injuries later on in life. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The downside to in-person tuition is that you need to dedicate the same amount of time each week to lessons. This can be in school but otherwise, you may have to commute to your teacher\u2019s house.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">3. Sitting at the piano<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24497 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Casio-grand-piano-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Casio grand piano\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Good <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">posture<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is key for the best playing technique on any instrument. The piano is no exception. Bad posture can impede how well you can play and could lead to potentially painful and debilitating injuries later in life.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A top tip for playing any instrument is to <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">relax<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. You don\u2019t want any tension in your muscles when playing as this makes it more difficult to play.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Relaxing while playing is just as important psychologically as it is physically. Once you become confident, your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">muscle memory<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> will take over. However, any doubts in your mind about the piece can still cause mistakes to happen.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are some specific tips for sitting at the piano. Remember, if you find it\u2019s hurting or not working well for you, it\u2019s <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">always<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> better to check with a teacher or other pianist about whether you\u2019re doing the right thing!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sit at your piano stool with your<strong> feet flat<\/strong> on the floor. Your wrists should be above the keys and your<strong> fingers should be slightly bent<\/strong> into an arc. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Bend your arms slightly.<\/strong> There should be an almost straight line from your elbows to where your fingers arc. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your arm is having to bend upwards to get at the keyboard, you need to raise your stool. If your arm is bending downwards to access the keys, your stool needs lowering. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remember to <strong>sit up straight but keep relaxed.<\/strong> Check your shoulders as they can often tense up without you realising.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When pressing the keys,<strong> use the whole weight of your arm<\/strong>, rather than just your fingers. This will help you avoid getting tired and achieve much more power and sound from your piano. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">4. Piano keys<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The key layout can appear complicated but it\u2019s actually quite simple. There are white keys and black keys: white notes are any note without a sharp (<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u266f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) or a flat (<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u266d) and the black keys are sharps\/flats.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first thing you should do is find <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> on the piano. If you look at the black keys you can see how there is a group of three black notes, then a gap and then two. This pattern repeats across the whole keyboard.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The white note directly before the first black note in a group of two is a C. If you can locate C, then you should be able to find it across the whole piano.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Finding <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">middle C<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is important too. Many beginner piano lessons will begin with finding it. Fortunately, the name kind of gives away where you\u2019ll find it\u2026 in the middle! The logo of your piano\u2019s manufacturer will usually be around this part, so have a look for that to find middle C. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can work out the other white notes easily when you know where C is, the note above C is a D, then we go E, F, G, A, and finally, you arrive back at C. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All the notes between the two Cs make up an <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">octave<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which is eight notes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Playing all the white notes from C to C would be a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C major scale<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">! We\u2019ll talk more about scales later in this guide.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The black notes are the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sharp<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> of the white note to the left of it or the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">flat<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> of the white note to the right of it. So, the first black note after C is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C\u266f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">D\u266d.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can see that between most white notes there\u2019s a black key. We say that between two notes, like C and D, is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">full step<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tone<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. And a C\u266f, the black key, is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">half-step<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">semitone<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) from C, or D.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So why are there no sharps or flats between E and F or B and C? There are two reasons. First, the black notes are grouped in twos and threes as described earlier, which makes it easier to find your way around the piano. Secondly, in a C major scale, there\u2019s only a half-step (semitone) between E and F and B and C.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\"> <img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24411 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Music-Theory-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"A keyboard diagram\" width=\"1080\" height=\"540\" \/><\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">5. Reading sheet music<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reading sheet music is a very important skill to have for many types of music. Once you\u2019ve cracked it, you'll have enormous flexibility with your playing. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Music is written on what\u2019s known as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">stave<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">staff<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This has five lines and notes are placed either on the lines or in the gaps.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are two clefs that you must read on piano: <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">treble<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bass<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The treble clef is for notes in the instrument's upper range, and the bass clef is used for the lower notes. These two staves together are known as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">grand staff<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s important to be able to find middle C on both bass and treble clef. Fortunately, it\u2019s not too difficult. Some notes may be higher or lower than the notes on a stave, so we draw extra lines to place notes on or in gaps. These are called ledger lines. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Middle C on the treble clef is on the first ledger line below the stave, middle C on bass clef is on the first ledger line about the stave. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now you know where middle C is, you can work out the other notes. The notes go higher the further up a stave you travel. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In treble clef, D would be in the gap just above middle C, E is on the bottom line of the stave, F is in the first gap, G is the second line, this pattern continues and is the same for all sheet music.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On the bass clef, the note just below middle C is a B, the note on the top line is A, the first gap is G and the second line down is F. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When learning to read, there are some acronyms for learning the notes. For example, in treble clef, the four spaces in the stave make up the word \u201c<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FACE<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d. So it\u2019s helpful to remember <strong>\"<\/strong><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FACE in space\"<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sometimes, a little mnemonic works too. <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">E<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">very <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">G<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ood <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">B<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">oy Does Fine<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is a good one for remembering which notes are on the five lines in treble clef.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On bass clef, the spaces can be remembered with <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ll <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ows <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">E<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">at <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">G<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rass<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The lines can be remembered with <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">G<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ood Burritos Don't Fall Apart<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you come up with your own mnemonic or acronym to remember the notes and it works for you then use that! Eventually, you won\u2019t need them.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When you\u2019re learning to read, you\u2019ll start recognising <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">patterns<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> such as the shape of a scale or how certain chords look. You won\u2019t necessarily be reading every individual note, much like how you don\u2019t read every single letter when reading words.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24428 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Notes-on-a-stave.jpg\" alt=\"Notes on a stave\" width=\"1080\" height=\"540\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">6. Note lengths and timings<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, we\u2019ve learned how each note sits on a stave but we still need to learn how to read rhythm. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We split music into bars, which have a certain number of beats in them. Rhythms are usually grouped within these bars and will repeat. This is how music makes us feel like dancing. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many beginner pieces of music, as well as most popular music, are in <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4\/4<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">common time<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This basically means there are four beats in a bar.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A beat is known as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">crotchet<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">quarter note<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These are solid colour notes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A note held for two beats is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">minim<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">half note<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These don\u2019t have a solid-filled note.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A crotchet can be split in half by putting a little tail off the side of the note\u2019s stem. This is known as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">quaver<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">eighth note<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From here, it\u2019s fairly simple to figure out note values, a quaver can be further divided by two by adding another little tail, this makes it a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">semiquaver<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">16<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> note<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Each extra tail further divides the note by two, a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">32<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nd<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> note is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">demisemiquaver<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">64<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> note is a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hemidemisemiquaver<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These really short notes aren\u2019t super common as the music has to be very very slow for such notes to be practical to play.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You will also encounter <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">semibreves<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, these last four beats. So, for many pieces of music, that\u2019s a whole bar.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another thing to look out for with rhythm is <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">dots<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Dots are simple once you know what they do, but can be tricky to learn how to play at first.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A dot adds half the note\u2019s value onto the note that is dotted. So a crotchet with a dot is equivalent to a crotchet and a quaver. A <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">dotted quaver<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> would be a quaver and a semiquaver.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"size-full wp-image-24430 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Note-lengths-and-timings-.jpg\" alt=\"Note lengths and timings\u00a0\" width=\"1080\" height=\"540\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">7. Scales, scales, scales<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24498 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Yamaha-P45-Digital-Piano-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Yamaha P45 Digital Piano\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Scales<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are important for many reasons. They're how you compose melodies and know which notes work well together.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They also help you build your knowledge of <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">music theory<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and unlock the potential of the piano. Plus, you'll improve your general playing techniques and become much more comfortable with finding your way around the keyboard. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So where\u2019s best to start with scales? The first scale we\u2019d recommend is <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C major<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. We\u2019ve already mentioned how C major is a scale involving all the white notes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Playing C major isn\u2019t difficult, fortunately. Let\u2019s start with just the right hand. The first thing you should do is get used to the process of playing different keys. So place your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thumb<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> on middle C. Then each other finger in your hand should naturally rest over a note up to G.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now practice playing from C to G and then back down to C again. Keep doing this until you\u2019re comfortable with using each finger individually to press notes down. Try and ensure each note you play is the same volume. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before we move onto the full scale we should first talk about fingers. We usually refer to fingers with numbers to tell people what fingers go where. This is common across all instruments, and piano is no exception. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With piano, the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thumb<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (on both hands) is your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">first finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, written as \u201c<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d on sheet music. The rest of your fingers are numbered up to <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">five<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">5<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) which is your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pinky finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This makes telling what fingers to put where with scales much easier. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s move onto the full scale! Your right hand is going to have to move to get all the notes in this scale, and this is probably the trickiest part. Instead of playing up to G, like we did earlier, when you play E you need to place your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thumb<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">first finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) on the F key. Then you\u2019ll see that your fingers will line up nicely with the notes with your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fifth finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pinky<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) on C.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Coming back down the scale is the same. Once your <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thumb<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">first finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) has played the F, then you want to move your middle finger (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">third finger<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) to the E below it. Then you can keep going down the scale to finish on C.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">8. What are chords?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24499 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Alesis-piano-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Alesis piano\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Chords<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> are the basic building blocks of music, most songs are built from a series of chords, known as a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">chord progression<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They're comprised of three or more notes. A three-note chord is called a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">triad<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and comprises a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">root<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">third,<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fifth<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The root is the key centre of the chord; it's also known as the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tonic<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Often, it\u2019s the bottom note in the chord, but not always. The tonic is the most important note of the chord and is most often played in the bass too.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The fifth, known as the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">dominant<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, is the second most important note in the chord. It\u2019s made of the fifth note above the root note. Think of the root and fifth providing the framework for the rest of the chord.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The third, known as the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">mediant<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, is the third note above the root. It gives a chord the unique sound which determines if it\u2019s a major or minor chord.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s try a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C major chord<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">! The root note will be C, as it\u2019s a C chord. Its fifth is a G, as you count five notes from C (C, D, E, F, and G). The third will be E (C, D, and E). This is easy to play with one hand. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use your first finger (thumb) to play the C, the third finger to play the E, and your fifth finger to play the G. That\u2019s a C major chord!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Major chords are often described as \u201chappy\u201d and minor chords are described as \u201csad\u201d. So, let\u2019s try a C minor chord.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We now know C major so C minor is easy. The C and the G are the same - the root and fifth never change in major or minor chords. Only the third changes, you lower, or <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">flatten<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, the note by a semitone.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So instead of an E with your third finger, play the black key to the left of the E to play an E<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u266d. Now you have a C minor chord. This relationship is the same across all chords; the minor always has a third that is flattened by a semitone. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some songs are written with <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">chord charts<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These just supply the chords you should play but not much else \u2013 you can decide what rhythm\/voicing to play!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C major chords on chord charts would be written as \u201cC\u201d and C minor is \u201cCm\u201d. You may see other things such as \u201cC7\u201d or \u201cCmaj7\u201d. These often are asking for extra notes on top of the original triad, so they would be a four-note chord rather than three. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">9. Different genres<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24500 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Jazz-piano-tuition-book-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Jazz piano tuition book\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>The range of music you can play on piano is extremely broad. Piano is seen in almost every genre of music and even types of music without piano might include some sort of keyboard instrument, like a synth or MIDI keyboard.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The benefit of piano is that you can play pretty much anything on it thanks to its ability to play both chords and melodies.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here\u2019s a taste of what\u2019s out there.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Classical music<\/strong> is great - you get to play some wonderful pieces by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, and Brahms. Learning classical pieces is primarily done through reading sheet music, although once you\u2019ve learnt the piece, the music should only serve as a reminder of what you are playing. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Jazz<\/strong> is another hugely popular music tradition that you may be taught. It can involve much more improvisation than just reading sheet music, so learning your chords and scales is hugely important for jazz as knowing which chords to play and which scales work with them is what makes a great jazz pianist. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Popular music<\/strong> is another broad music tradition that you'll recognise immediately as it's much of what you hear on the radio. From rock 'n' roll to R'n'B and hip-hop, pop music has a huge variety that you could play on piano. Like jazz, you might find yourself improvising and reading chord sheets rather than scores, or you may learn by ear. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learning well-known tunes can also allow you to play in function bands and earn some decent money playing at events like weddings or parties. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">10. Easy songs to get started\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24502 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Grand-piano-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Grand piano\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Practising some easy songs is a great way to get to grips with the piano. Not only will you have a piece of music under your belt that you can perform to friends and family, but learning an actual tune helps you focus on making <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">music<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> rather than just theory.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A common pitfall is beginner pianists get preoccupied with making sure their technique and rhythm are perfect, and they forget to play with musicality. Learning songs helps this. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are three songs you should definitely learn to play while you\u2019re starting out. And they're not just for beginners, they\u2019re also pieces of music performed by professionals in concerts. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chopsticks<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a classic beginner's piece that is popular because you can play it with just two fingers, making it perfect if you\u2019re just starting out. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Satie\u2019s Gymnop\u00e9dies<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a simple but beautiful piece of music that's really easy to learn and play. What\u2019s great about this piece is that you can take it very slowly, concentrating on mastering the notes and adding expression. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bach\u2019s Well Tempered Clavier<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> might seem complex and intimidating but it\u2019s fantastic for beginners. Bach's music sounds extremely satisfying even if you\u2019re playing it very slowly - a sign of a really well-written piece! It\u2019s also very technical and a great way to learn keys and scales. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sheet music for these pieces and more can be found at imslp.org, and most of them are free. Moreover, free chord sheets (and tabs if you play guitar or know any players) can be found at ultimateguitar.com. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">11. Keep practising!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-24503 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Upright-piano-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Upright piano\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>You won\u2019t be a virtuoso overnight (wouldn\u2019t that be nice!) but you'll see progress if you keep practising as much as possible. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even if it\u2019s ten minutes of practice every day, you'll soon see improvements in your technique. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Practice is one of the hardest things about playing any instrument. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some days might be frustrating and you feel you haven\u2019t made any progress, but that\u2019s fine! Every musician, no matter how great they are, will have these moments. It\u2019s perseverance that brings the best results. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sometimes structuring your practice can help too. For example, you could start with scales as these are a great way to warm up. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Like with sport, it\u2019s useful to get your fingers warmed up and get yourself in the right frame of mind for some good practice. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3>FAQs<\/h3><h4>How can I teach myself to play the piano?<\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our top 5 tips for teaching yourself to play the piano are: <\/span><\/p><ol><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learn good posture and playing techniques<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Practise songs you enjoy <\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Watch other pianists you admire\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learn how to read sheet music <\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep practising every day!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Teaching yourself can be very rewarding and you can save money on paying for teachers. However, you need to make sure you keep at it and don\u2019t give up - this is the hardest part for anyone learning an instrument. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">Is a piano easy to learn?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The piano can be tricky to learn, but it\u2019s such a common instrument that there are many resources out there to make it easier. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once you\u2019ve learned piano, you'll probably find picking up other instruments to be much easier. This is thanks to the physical skills you\u2019ve picked up and the music theory knowledge you've gained. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">Is it ever too late to learn piano?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s never too late to learn piano, or any instrument for that matter. Learning a musical instrument has a whole raft of benefits to your motor skills and brain functioning that will help anyone, no matter the age. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Final thoughts<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134245418\":true,\"134245529\":true,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":40,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Piano is one of the most rewarding instruments you can learn to play. Once you\u2019ve mastered the basics, you\u2019ll be able to impress people with your skills. You can start playing in bands, gigging, or even try writing your own music to express your creativity further!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you're looking for your first piano or an upgrade, have a look at our website - there's bound to be one that catches your eye. And check out our blog for more useful guides on piano and any other instruments you\u2019re interested in!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Shop now | <a href=\"\/pianos-keyboards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pianos and Keyboards<\/a><\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[246,147],"tags":[102,478,171],"class_list":["post-24307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-piano-guides","category-pianos-keyboards","tag-beginners-guides","tag-learn","tag-pianos-keyboards"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Play Piano - A Beginner&#039;s Guide | Gear4music<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to learn piano? Our 11-step guide will provide you with all the basics, from choosing your piano to playing your first notes and chords.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Play Piano - A Beginner&#039;s Guide | Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Want to learn piano? Our 11-step guide will provide you with all the basics, from choosing your piano to playing your first notes and chords.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gear4music Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-03-27T11:50:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-02-14T10:59:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Featured-image-how-to-play-piano-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1330\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"665\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sean Bailey\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@kontrabean\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sean Bailey\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"18 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Sean Bailey\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/bc658c1e30d6cecc36816a29fe434c52\"},\"headline\":\"How to Play Piano &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-03-27T11:50:10+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-14T10:59:57+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":4475,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2023\\\/03\\\/Featured-image-how-to-play-piano-1.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Beginner's Guides\",\"Learn\",\"Pianos &amp; Keyboards\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Guides\",\"Pianos &amp; Keyboard\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Play Piano - A Beginner's Guide | Gear4music\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2023\\\/03\\\/Featured-image-how-to-play-piano-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-03-27T11:50:10+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-14T10:59:57+00:00\",\"description\":\"Want to learn piano? Our 11-step guide will provide you with all the basics, from choosing your piano to playing your first notes and chords.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-play-piano\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2023\\\/03\\\/Featured-image-how-to-play-piano-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2023\\\/03\\\/Featured-image-how-to-play-piano-1.jpg\",\"width\":1330,\"height\":665,\"caption\":\"Featured image - how to play piano\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Gear4music Blog\",\"description\":\"News, tips, deals &amp; loads more...\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Gear4music\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2021\\\/12\\\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2021\\\/12\\\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png\",\"width\":600,\"height\":193,\"caption\":\"Gear4music\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/Gear4music\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/gear4music\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/gear4music\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/gear-4-music-limited\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/gear4music1\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/bc658c1e30d6cecc36816a29fe434c52\",\"name\":\"Sean Bailey\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ebe22896f84854dabdd7ad1bb72e82b25b59735c6dbfe9f8584ef796fd81f7f5?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ebe22896f84854dabdd7ad1bb72e82b25b59735c6dbfe9f8584ef796fd81f7f5?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ebe22896f84854dabdd7ad1bb72e82b25b59735c6dbfe9f8584ef796fd81f7f5?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Sean Bailey\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/kontrabean.bandcamp.com\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/kontrabean\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/kontrabean\",\"https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/kontrabean\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/seanbailey\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Play Piano - A Beginner's Guide | Gear4music","description":"Want to learn piano? Our 11-step guide will provide you with all the basics, from choosing your piano to playing your first notes and chords.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Play Piano - A Beginner's Guide | Gear4music","og_description":"Want to learn piano? Our 11-step guide will provide you with all the basics, from choosing your piano to playing your first notes and chords.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/","og_site_name":"Gear4music Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music","article_published_time":"2023-03-27T11:50:10+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-02-14T10:59:57+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1330,"height":665,"url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Featured-image-how-to-play-piano-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Sean Bailey","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@kontrabean","twitter_site":"@gear4music","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Sean Bailey","Est. reading time":"18 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/"},"author":{"name":"Sean Bailey","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/bc658c1e30d6cecc36816a29fe434c52"},"headline":"How to Play Piano &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide","datePublished":"2023-03-27T11:50:10+00:00","dateModified":"2025-02-14T10:59:57+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/"},"wordCount":4475,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Featured-image-how-to-play-piano-1.jpg","keywords":["Beginner's Guides","Learn","Pianos &amp; Keyboards"],"articleSection":["Guides","Pianos &amp; Keyboard"],"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/","name":"How to Play Piano - A Beginner's Guide | Gear4music","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Featured-image-how-to-play-piano-1.jpg","datePublished":"2023-03-27T11:50:10+00:00","dateModified":"2025-02-14T10:59:57+00:00","description":"Want to learn piano? Our 11-step guide will provide you with all the basics, from choosing your piano to playing your first notes and chords.","inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Featured-image-how-to-play-piano-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/03\/Featured-image-how-to-play-piano-1.jpg","width":1330,"height":665,"caption":"Featured image - how to play piano"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/","name":"Gear4music Blog","description":"News, tips, deals &amp; loads more...","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Gear4music","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2021\/12\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2021\/12\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png","width":600,"height":193,"caption":"Gear4music"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music","https:\/\/x.com\/gear4music","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/gear4music\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/gear-4-music-limited\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/gear4music1"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/bc658c1e30d6cecc36816a29fe434c52","name":"Sean Bailey","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ebe22896f84854dabdd7ad1bb72e82b25b59735c6dbfe9f8584ef796fd81f7f5?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ebe22896f84854dabdd7ad1bb72e82b25b59735c6dbfe9f8584ef796fd81f7f5?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ebe22896f84854dabdd7ad1bb72e82b25b59735c6dbfe9f8584ef796fd81f7f5?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Sean Bailey"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/kontrabean.bandcamp.com\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kontrabean\/","https:\/\/x.com\/kontrabean","https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/kontrabean"],"url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/author\/seanbailey\/"}]}},"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-27 06:21:47","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24307","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24307"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24307\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43607,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24307\/revisions\/43607"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24528"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24307"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}