Learn How to Play the Piano in 3 Steps

Many people want to learn a new instrument but few are willing to put up with the "learning curve" involved. You know what I mean, right? Those tireless days of practice, not seeing any improvement, waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel.

It doesn't have to be this hard. I've learned how to play the piano quickly and efficiently, and I know how you can do it, too.

Step #1: Learn the Alphabet

The alphabet? But I thought I was over that! The piano's alphabet is a little different. It goes from A to G, and includes sharps, flats, and natural notes. Do you know where the "C" note, for example, is located on the piano? You're never going to play the piano if you don't know what notes you're playing.

If you want to learn the piano's alphabet, here's a quick guide: the white notes are natural notes and the black notes are sharps and flats. The black note to the right of F, for example, is F-sharp...and it's G-flat, because it's to the left of G. You'll notice there is no "C-Sharp" and "E-Sharp."

Once you know your notes, learn how sheet music writes these notes. A note on the very bottom line of sheet music is an E - that should help you get started.

Step #2: Know your scales

One of the first things piano teachers teach you are your scales. They often approach it the wrong way, but it's a good place to start nonetheless. A traditional scale can start on the C note and go all the way up to the next C note (the keys on a piano repeat over and over). Since there are eight notes in a scale and you only have five fingers, you have to pair up your fingering. Learning this fingering will be essential to your future success.

Step #3: Learn what to do with your left hand

Tricks like the Alberti bass and knowing your tonics and dominants will give your left hand plenty of work to do - with as little practice as possible. Knowing how to play the left hand is crucial to making the piano sound great when you play it. When you're able to put the two together, you can make fuller, realer piano sounds that make you look like a professional because, look Ma! Two hands!

One article can't spell it all out for you. You need something that will give you a day-by-day guide and help you to learn piano. Piano teachers can be expensive, so do research online and find a good eBook.

Find more about our online piano course reviews Studying Piano.