Piano Learning Guide.
The best way to play piano with fat fingers.
This is a simple beginner-friendlier guide to simple, effective exercises that can develop your fingers into being strong, more in control, and more flexible and have you playing the piano more easily, faster, and with greater confidence.
Clean notes, smooth playing and good control in the piano require strong fingers.
Novices also have problems with weak fingers, including the ring finger and the pinky finger, and playing is difficult to play evenly or quickly.
The good news? Strengths of fingers can be enhanced by simple daily exercises which do not necessarily take much time.
The following is a little advise on how to begin to work on your hands in the right direction.
Begin with Simple Finger Lifts
This activity enhances the independence and control of every finger.
How to Do It
- Put your hand on a flat surface.
- Move one finger at a time slowly.
- Hold for 2-3 seconds.
- Repeat 5-10 times per finger.
Why it helps:
It also makes the individual fingers strong enabling them to react well when playing melodies and chords.
Five-Finger Patterns Practice.
Patterns of five fingers lead to strength, precision and control of the hand.
Try This Pattern
C-D-E-F-G
G-F-E-D-C
Play slowly and in a steady manner, correct fingering: 1-2-3-4-5.
Why it helps:
It makes the whole hand stronger and it enhances the balance of the fingers.
Hanon Exercises with Stronger Fingers.
Hanon is one of the most popular ways of finger strengthening of beginners.
Tip for Beginners
- Start very slow
- Focus on accuracy, not speed
- Hold your fingers in a natural position.
Five minutes of Hanon a day develops evident strength.
Train Your Pinky To Tap Light.
The weakest finger is often the pinky.
This is exercised to increase its speed and power.
How to Do It
- Lay your hand on the table or piano.
- Touch the pinky finger many times.
- Have a curved finger position.
Why it helps:
It forms independence of pinkies, enhances chords and melodies.
Play Broken Chords Slowly
Broken chords enhance coordination and strengthen of fingers simultaneously.
Exercise Example
C-E-G-E (repeat)
Relaxed fingers are used and the movement is small.
Why it works:
It makes the fingers hold their own weight and this enhances control.
Play with a Soft Stress Ball (Off-Piano Exercise).
Fingers off the piano can be strengthened.
Exercise
- Squeeze lightly
- Hold for 2 seconds
- Release
- Repeat 10-15 times
Important:
Squeeze not too hard--piano power will not be made out by sternness.
Practice Daily for 5-10 Minutes
It is more important to be consistent than to work long.
Simple Daily Routine
- 2 min finger lifts
- 3 min five-finger pattern
- 3 min Hanon or broken chords
After only a few weeks, you will observe:
- Better control
- Faster playing
- Smoother transitions
- Less hand fatigue
Conclusion
One of the most crucial things that should be done by piano beginners is to improve the finger strength. Simple exercises and practice will make your hands stronger and more flexible and able to play confidently.
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