Basic Steps to Learn the Piano for Beginners

You’ve just brought home your first digital piano or keyboard from the TMW store, and you’re eager to start playing your favourite songs. Now what? You’re probably wondering, “What are the first steps I should take to play the piano?”

Learning to play the piano is an exciting journey that opens the door to endless musical possibilities. By following a structured approach and dedication, everyone can make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Before we dive in, let’s quickly touch on why learning the piano is so rewarding. Beyond the joy of creating music, playing the piano offers numerous benefits:

Benefits of Learning to Play the Piano for Beginners

It enhances cognitive skills, improves hand-eye coordination, and boosts memory and concentration.
Playing the piano also helps reduce stress, fosters creativity, and increases self-discipline through regular practice.
It provides a strong foundation for learning other instruments and deepening your music appreciation.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through five easy steps to help you start playing the piano with confidence.

5 Easy Steps to Learn the Piano

Step 1: Get Familiar with the Keyboard Piano Layout

The digital piano and electronic keyboard are distinct instruments, with one of the most noticeable differences being their key count. A digital piano typically has 88 keys, while an electronic keyboard usually has 61. To explore more key differences, check out this article: Learn the Differences Between a Keyboard and Piano.

Before diving into playing, take time to learn the layout of the keyboard, starting with middle C-D-E-F-G-A-B. Recognize the pattern of white and black keys, and explore the different octaves. Familiarizing yourself with the piano’s structure will make learning notes and scales much easier.

basic steps to learn the piano - keyboard piano layout

Step 2: Develop Proper Hand Positioning

Playing the piano requires precise coordination between both hands and all ten fingers. However, there’s no need to worry—you can build your coordination step by step, starting with the easiest approach: practising with your right hand first.

The right hand practice method

Keep your fingers curved, wrists relaxed, and the right hand in a comfortable position over the keys. Now, you should imagine numbering your fingers and placing them on the keynote accordingly:

1 is the Thumb on the C note
2 is the Index on the D note
3 is the Middle on the E note
4 is the Ring on the F note
5 is the Pinky on the G note

Try playing the Mary Had a Little Lamb notes by pressing: 3 2 1 2 3 3 3… 2 2 2… 3 5 5…3 2 1 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 1… on repeat (… means to hold the note a bit longer).

basic steps to learn the piano - right hand position

The left hand practice method

Similar to right-hand practice, proper left-hand positioning is crucial. Ensure your left hand rests comfortably over the keys, with fingers curved naturally and wrists relaxed. Follow the fingering and corresponding notes indicated below to begin your left-hand exercises:

1 is the Thumb on the G note
2 is the Index on the F note
3 is the Middle on the C note
4 is the Ring on the D note
5 is the Pinky on the C note

Play this pattern: 3 4 5 4 3 3 3… 4 4 4… 3 1 1… 3 4 5 4 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 5… (should be the same tune as the previous).

basic steps to learn the piano - left hand position

Step 3: Both Hands Coordination

After practising each hand separately, the next step is to coordinate them together. Don’t worry about finding the correct keys for each finger; simply follow the numbered sequence, where the notes C-D-E-F-G-A-B repeat across the keyboard as shown in the layout. This systematic approach will help you integrate your right and left-hand skills.

Play this tune once more on both hands at the same time:

Right hand: 3 2 1 2 3 3 3… 2 2 2… 3 5 5…3 2 1 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 1…
Left hand: 3 4 5 4 3 3 3… 4 4 4… 3 1 1… 3 4 5 4 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 5…

Repeat these exercises regularly until you develop muscle memory and can play each note accurately and at the proper time.

basic steps to learn the piano - hands coordination

Step 4: Learn to play the Basic Chords

A chord is formed when three or more notes are played simultaneously, creating a harmonious sound. For example, chord C is the combination of notes 1-3-5.

Many popular songs utilize simpler chord progressions, making it easier than ever to learn your favourites. Some essential basic chords to begin with include:

C Major Chord

D Minor Chord

E Minor Chord

F Major Chord

G Major Chord

A Minor Chord

B Minor Chord

Continue practising these basic chords with your right hand first, then continue with the left hand in a 1-2-3 (or 1-2-4) fingering sequence number until you can recall and play them effortlessly.

Step 5: Play an Easy Song on the Piano

With consistent practice under your belt, you’re now ready to apply your skills to a real song. A great way to start is by choosing a simple pop song that uses the basic chords you’ve learned. This will be a rewarding first step in your musical journey.

“Faded” by Alan Walker is a great choice for beginners, as it uses a simple chord progression consisting of just four basic chords: A minor (Am), F major, C major, and G major.

The key to playing a new song is to memorize the original notes in your head and then try to sing the song or tune while your hands play the notes on the keyboard.

Intro piano only: Am, F major, C major, G major

Song piano + lyric:

Am F major
You were the shadow to my light did you feel us?

C major G major
Another star, you fade away

Am F major
Afraid our aim is out of sight wanna see us

C major G major
alight

Repeat the whole pattern until you familiarize yourself with it.

What’s Next?

Reaching this stage, after mastering the basics, is a pivotal moment for beginners. It’s also a point where some may lose interest, unsure of what to do next or what their musical goals should be.

If you find yourself in this position, consider taking your playing to the next level by enrolling in the comprehensive piano classes offered by TMW Music School.

Enrolling in piano classes unlocks a wealth of advanced techniques and musical knowledge:

You’ll delve deeper into music theory.
Learn to apply various time signatures (such as 3/4 and 4/4) to your playing.
Develop your ability to read and interpret sheet music.
Learn how to maximize the features of your keyboard or digital piano.
Expand your repertoire of popular songs.
and much more.

Conclusion

Learning the piano is a rewarding journey that can bring you years of joy and fulfilment. By following these easy steps, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this beautiful instrument. So, take a deep breath, sit down at the keys, and start creating music! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re a natural part of the learning process. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey!

Basic Steps to Learn the Piano for Beginners

Benefits of Learning to Play the Piano for Beginners

5 Easy Steps to Learn the Piano