To begin learning to play piano, you need to know 2 things first:
- The piano key names
- Your finger numbers, as referenced for playing piano.
They are easy to learn!
You can memorize or review them using these charts, or watch the videos below for details and some practice instructions:
Notice that black keys are grouped in 2’s and 3’s.
Around the 2 black key group you find the white keys C, D, and E. Around the 3 black key group you find the white keys F, G, A and B.
Starting with your thumbs – number your digits from 1 through 5..
If you would like more instruction, or to explore these concepts more thoroughly watch the videos below to learn and practice the finger numbers and note names:
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When you know your finger numbers and piano key names, you are ready to start Unit 1 !
What are the names of the white keys on piano?
The piano keys repeat in a pattern of 7 notes and we use the letters of the alphabet to name them. A-B-C-D-E-F-G.
It’s easiest to learn them in 2 groups.
The small group is found surrounding the set of 2 black keys. The three white keys found here are C-D-E. (You can think of the middle as D for Dog, and the Dog lives between the 2 walls (black keys) of the Dog house.
The remaining 4 white keys are found around the set of 3 black keys. These keys are F-G-A-B, you might look at this a regular house with a baby inside – babys say Ga Ga- and the notes in the middle of this group spell Ga. G-A. The house also has a Front (F) and a Back (B) door.
What are the finger numbers for piano players called?
The fingers are referred to using the numbers 1 through 5. Begin with your thumb. Each hand has a finger 1, it’s thumb. Then continue to the next finger, that’s finger 2, middle finger in number 3, the next is number 4 and your smallest finger (pinkie) is number 5.
That’s it! You have 2 finger 1’s (2 thumbs) 2 finger 2’s …and so on.
We refer to them by which hand they are on, for example left 2, or right 2.
You’re all set to start Unit 1 here at PianoVideoLessons!