Finger numbers and hand position
Lesson 3 of 14 · Beginner · Fingers 1 to 5, and the C position for each hand.
Finger numbers
Pianists number their fingers 1 to 5 on each hand. The thumb is 1, the index finger 2, the middle finger 3, the ring finger 4 and the little finger 5.
Music often prints these numbers above the notes, to show which finger to use.
Right hand: C position
Put your right thumb (1) on middle C. Let each finger rest on the next white key: 2 on D, 3 on E, 4 on F and 5 on G.
One finger per key, curved as if you were holding a small ball.
Left hand: C position
The left hand is a mirror image. Put your left little finger (5) on C3, the C below middle C. Then 4 on D, 3 on E, 2 on F and the thumb (1) on G.
Both thumbs now point toward middle C.
Sitting and playing
Sit facing the middle of the keyboard, feet flat, arms relaxed, wrists level with the keys.
Press each key with the tip of your finger and let it come back up before the next one. Only the finger that plays should move.
Practice
First, the finger numbers.
Right hand: play up and back down, one finger per key.
Left hand: the same, from C3 with your little finger.
Both hands together: press each pair of keys at the same time.
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