“To play well, it is not enough to hit the note at just the right time, nor even to understand the music. The real technique is in the fingers to play good music” – Franz Liszt.
If you’ve ever tried playing the piano, you know how crucial finger positioning is to achieving the desired sound. Whether you are an experienced pianist or taking your first piano lessons, mastering piano fingering is essential to expressing the full range of emotions that music can offer. This is the secret to smooth playing, note precision and musicality in general.
How are the fingers positioned on the keyboard to play?
Proper finger technique for piano playing begins with proper body and arm posture. The shoulders should not be tensed, but relaxed and lowered. The arms should be slightly curved and aligned with the keyboard. The wrists are slightly elevated, creating a straight line with the forearm, as if you were holding a small ball in each hand.
As for the fingers, they are slightly curved and rest naturally on the keys. Each finger corresponds to a certain number of keys on the keyboard. The thumbs (finger 1) are usually in the middle of the keyboard for the right hand and at the end for the left hand. The other fingers (2 to 5) are spread out to cover an octave.
For the right hand, the standard fingering position is from C (do) to the next C (do). For the left hand, it’s the opposite: from C (do) to the previous C (do).
What is the thumb pass technique?
The thumb pass is a technique essential to play scales and arpeggios on the piano. This involves passing the thumb under the palm of the hand after playing with fingers 2, 3, or 4, thus allowing the scale to continue without interruption.
To perform the thumb pass correctly, the arm must move slightly diagonally, thus guiding the thumb towards the next note. During this movement, the wrist remains flexible and the thumb relaxed. The key is to not let the thumb drag behind, which will slow down the passage and make the execution of the range choppy and awkward.
For example, when playing a major scale with your right hand, after playing the first three notes with fingers 1, 2 and 3 (thumb, index and middle finger), the thumb goes under the hand to play the fourth note, while as the other fingers are bent in preparation for the next notes. For the major scale in the left hand, the process is reversed.
How to integrate exercises to improve finger technique?
You can work on your finger technique for playing the piano in different ways. A good way to start is to regularly practice fingering exercises, like those offered by Hanon and Czerny. These exercises help strengthen finger dexterity and independence.
Other exercises to improve finger technique for piano playing include practicing scales, arpeggios, and chords in different keys. These exercises help develop fluidity and precision in the game.
Finally, remember to take the time to warm up before playing, as this can help prepare your fingers and prevent injuries. A good warm-up can involve playing a scale or arpeggio slowly and deliberately, focusing on the movement of each finger and the feel of each key under the skin.
Conclusion: The key to precision? It’s in the finesse of the touch!
As Franz Liszt said so well, the real technique lies in the fingers to play good music. Whether you are a beginner pianist taking piano lessons piano to learn the basics, or a seasoned musician looking to refine your craft, piano fingering is essential to mastering this instrument.
Piano fingering techniques are not something that can be learned overnight, but with patience, practice, and perhaps a few good piano lessons, you can develop a dexterity that will allow you to play fluently , precision and expressiveness. And remember, the beauty of music is as much in the journey as the destination. So take the time to appreciate every note, every scale, and every song you play.
Take your time, work methodically and before you know it, your fingers will be dancing across the keyboard with an ease you never thought possible. Good practice !