Introduction to the Piano Keyboard
Primary 4 · Creative Arts
Introduction to the Piano Keyboard
Lesson 3 of 5
25 min
Let's begin
Keza's teacher says, "Put your right thumb on middle C and let your other fingers find their own keys." Keza puts one finger on each white key. Her hand is now in C position.
Put your right thumb (1) on middle C. Then each finger rests on the next white key:
| Finger | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key | C | D | E | F | G |
| Sol-fa | do | re | mi | fa | so |
Play slowly and evenly, one key per beat. Say the finger numbers out loud.
The scale has 8 notes but you have only 5 fingers. So the thumb does a trick: it passes under your hand.
Practise the thumb-under move slowly: C D E, thumb under, F. Your hand should glide, not jump.
Tip
1 2 3, tuck, 1 2 3 4 5. Say it as you play the right-hand C scale going up. The "tuck" is the thumb sliding under.
Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.
In right-hand C position, which finger plays F?
Answer: 4.
Which key does right-hand finger 5 play in C position?
Answer: G.
Play 1 3 5 in C position. Which notes are they?
Answer: C, E, G.
In the right-hand C scale going up, which note does the thumb play after passing under?
Answer: F.
Going down, which finger crosses over the thumb, and onto which note?
Answer: Finger 3, onto E.
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
Put the start of the right-hand C scale in order.
Tap the cards in the right order.
