Using Correct Fingering for Playing the Piano
Something I’ve noticed on many occasions is the fact that so many students tend to use awkward fingering when they play the piano. Of course I don’t for a minute doubt that this is something which interests many beginners as well as those in the intermediate range.
Contrary to what you may believe, this is actually quite a controversial subject.
Just as there are many who believe in free-style fingering, there are also many who advocate strict piano fingering.
Here are my thoughts on the subject…
Even though the length of a person’s fingers differs from one person to the next, everyone’s thumbs are shorter than their other fingers.
Also, the thumb is usually the most powerful finger we have, followed by the index finger and middle finger, and it’s these three figures which are the most used when it comes to playing piano.
Here are some tips concerning fingering which you should certainly consider:
1. Always avoid using your thumb to play a black key. The only exceptions are: a) if you’re playing a piece that only as black notes. b) When you need to play a group of keys where there are black and white. For example, your thumb will play Bb if your right hand is being used to play Bb, D, and F together in Bb major chord root position.
The bottom line is; the thumb is not designed for playing black keys, simply because it’s too short. Instead, it’s the second and third fingers which should be used for playing black notes. In other words, if you find yourself playing a peace which starts with a black note such as Bb major for example, you should use your second or third finger rather than your thumb.
2) If you’re playing a melody with your right hand and there are certain keys which are out of reach, then by all means, you can go ahead and move your hand to play the note. In fact, if the key is only a few steps down from the thumb, then you can use the thumb as an anchor well you cross the second finger over in order to reach the note on the left hand side of your thumb. Rather than moving your hand, you simply move the second finger over.
Once the second finger plays the key, the thumb will soon follow to cross over to play other note left of the key. Suggestion: practice the scale well to know what finger to follow.
3. Identical rule applies to the left hand.
4. Whenever you have an opportunity you should watch experienced players, and you should pay particular attention to their fingering. Ideally, you should try to watch those who have plenty of experience in playing classical music; because you can be rest assured that they’ve spent several years going through the necessary repertoires. Of course, you should also try to imitate their finger movements.
Important note: The purpose of good fingering is to guarantee “smoothness” in musical passages.
When playing the work of Bach and that of other similar composers, this becomes especially important, in that disruptions can occur when there is even a slight change in fingering structure. Of course, if you’re only playing improvisational and accompaniment pieces then there’s less need for strict fingering. When I play improvisational pieces my fingering usually changes in line with my mood and the rhythm.
You’ll also notice that musical pieces which have been edited by different editors tend to have changes in terms of fingering. For example, you’ll notice different fingering suggestions for the “Sonatina” piece composed by Clementi, depending on the different editors. While some prefer to use the second finger more often, others favor the third finger instead.
In conclusion: if you are improvising, pay less attention to which finger you are using. As long as you abide by the above rules and ensure a smooth flow of musical passage, you are fine.
If you get too critical about fingering, it distracts your musical thoughts and flow. After all, it is music that you are conveying. Piano playing gets rather complicated when you are trying to balance both hands, keep a steady tempo (rhythm), make sure the pedals are going in at the right time, listening to the music.
