Correct Fingering For Playing The Piano

Something I’ve noticed on many occasions is the fact that so many students tend to use awkward fingering when they play the piano. Of course I don’t for a minute doubt that this is something which interests many beginners as well as those in the intermediate range.

Even though you may not think so, this is in fact a controversial topic.

Just as there are many who believe in free-style fingering, there are also many who advocate strict piano fingering.

Here are my thoughts on the subject…

First of all, everyone has different fingers in terms of length, but one common factor is that our thumbs are shorter than our other fingers.

Additionally, the thumb is the strongest finger, and it’s the thumb, together with the index finger and long finger which are the most used when playing the piano.

Below you will to find a 4 fingering tips which I have put together as general rules, and which you may want to take into consideration:

1. The thumb should never be used for playing a black key. The only exception to this rule is when you: a) Play a musical piece which only has black notes. b) When you play a piece where they are black and white keys.

The bottom line is; the thumb is not designed for playing black keys, simply because it’s too short. Instead, it’s the second and third fingers which should be used for playing black notes. In other words, if you find yourself playing a peace which starts with a black note such as Bb major for example, you should use your second or third finger rather than your thumb.

2. In the event that you’re playing a piece with your right hand and you’re in a situation where some of the keys are out of reach, you should simply move your hand so that you can play the note. Of course, if the desired key is only one or two steps down from your thumb, then you can use the thumb as an anchor while are you cross your second finger over to the note in question. In this case, it wouldn’t be necessary to move to your hand, but instead, you simply move your second finger over.

You’ll notice that as soon as the second finger has played the key, the thumb will automatically follow across to play the next note to the left of the key. The best way to familiarize yourself with regards to what finger should follow, is to practice the scale regularly.

3. This same rule applies to the left hand.

4. Whenever you have an opportunity you should watch experienced players, and you should pay particular attention to their fingering. Ideally, you should try to watch those who have plenty of experience in playing classical music; because you can be rest assured that they’ve spent several years going through the necessary repertoires. Of course, you should also try to imitate their finger movements.

One important point: The function of good fingering is to ensure smoothness of musical passages.

If for example you want to play the work of Bach and other classical composers, then good fingering is crucial. In fact, even the slightest change in fingering can result in a complete disruption. On the other hand, strict fingering is less important for improvisational and accompaniment pieces.

If you pay attention to musical pieces edited by different editors, you will notice a change of fingering as well. I have noticed that the same “Sonatina” piece composed by Clementi have different fingering suggestions under different editors. Some editors use the 2nd finger more often, while others choose the 3rd finger.

In conclusion: if you are improvising, pay less attention to which finger you are using. As long as you abide by the above rules and ensure a smooth flow of musical passage, you are fine.

Remember, if you become too radical with regards to fingering, there’s a strong possibility that it will distract you enough to interfere with the flow of your music. After all, playing piano is all about conveying music, and your aim should always be to maintain a steady, smooth flow. Lastly, always make sure that the pedals are being pressed at the right time.

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