Introduction to the Piano Keyboard
Primary 4 · Creative Arts
Introduction to the Piano Keyboard
Lesson 4 of 5
25 min
Let's begin
Niyonzima can play C D E F G with his right hand. "Now let's wake up the left hand," says his teacher. The left hand is a mirror of the right, so it feels a little strange at first.
Find the C below middle C (the next C to the left). Put your left little finger (5) on it. Your other fingers rest on the next white keys:
| Finger | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key | C | D | E | F | G |
Notice: going up the keyboard, the left-hand finger numbers go down, from 5 to 1. Your left thumb ends up on G, close to middle C.
Tip
Left hand counts down as it climbs up. 5 4 3 2 1 takes the left hand up from C to G. The left hand is a mirror of the right.
Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.
In left-hand C position, which finger plays C?
Answer: 5 (the little finger).
Which note does the left thumb play in C position?
Answer: G.
Play 5 3 1 with the left hand in C position. Which notes are they?
Answer: C, E, G.
In the left-hand scale going up, which finger crosses over the thumb, and onto which note?
Answer: Finger 3, onto A.
Which two fingers need extra practice because they are the weakest?
Answer: Fingers 4 and 5.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Written by Ganzaa: the exercises, the fingering diagrams and the practice questions. The fingering shown is the standard fingering for the C major scale.
Quick check
Match each left-hand finger to its key in C position.
Tap one on the left, then its partner on the right.
