Beginner’s Guide to Piano & Keyboard
Learning piano/keyboard starts with understanding the keys under your fingers, how sound is produced, and how to read and navigate patterns. This section will guide you through the basics — from note names to hand posture to your first simple exercises — laying a foundation that lets you progress confidently.
Knowing Your Keys & Layout
The keyboard is made up of repeating groups of 7 white keys + 5 black keys per octave. The pattern of 2 black keys, then 3 black keys helps you find C (just to the left of the two-black-key group). Every white key has a name (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) and black keys are accidentals (♯ / ♭). Once you recognize C, D, E etc., you can find any note by counting steps. Practice by naming keys: pick random keys and say their names before you play them.
Hand Posture and Finger Numbering
Sit with a straight back, elbows slightly above the key level, wrists relaxed (not drooping). Curve your fingers gently; use the tips of your fingers, not flat surfaces. Finger numbering: thumb=thumb, ① = index, ② = middle, ③ = ring, ④ = pinky. Keep both hands close to the keys, don’t stretch too far — let small movements help. Avoid tension: shoulders, wrists, and fingers should feel loose and ready.
Exercise 1
LH: D
RH: F D# D LH: D#
RH: G-F-D# LH: F
RH: G#-G-FExercise 2 – Hands Together
Play slowly and keep both hands in sync.
Exercise 3 – Bella Ciao
Use proper fingering and aim for smooth transitions.
A’ → means the A in the next higher octave
E-A’-B-C-A x2
E-A’-B-C—B-A-C—B-A-E-E-E
E’-D-D-F-F—F-E-D-F-E
E-D-C-B-E—B-C-B-A
Exercise 4 – Emptiness
Use proper fingering and aim for smooth transitions.
F-A-C-A—F-A-C-A
Ⓣ①③①—Ⓣ①③①
E-A-C-A—E-A-C-A
Ⓣ①③①—Ⓣ①③①
D-F-A#-F—D-F-A#-F
Ⓣ①③①—Ⓣ①③①
C-E-G-E-G-A-G-F
Ⓣ①③①③④③②