Piano Lesson: From Zero to Playing Your First Song

Introduction

• Objective: Take you from no piano experience to playing your first song.
• Learn basic piano fundamentals and tips to accelerate learning.
• Song at the end is simple but looks impressive.
• Cheat sheet available for easy learning and to avoid beginner mistakes.

Understanding Piano Notes

• Piano consists of 7 notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, which repeat.
• Finding Note D:
  • Locate groups of two black notes; note between them is D.
  • Remember via visual mnemonic (looks like a dog, "dog D").
  • Notes sequence around D:
    • Left: A, B, C
    • Right: E, F, G
  • Notes repeat up the keyboard.
• Using the Cheat Sheet:
  • Provides labeled notes and song patterns.
  • Downloadable for continuous reference.

Basic C Position

• Place right thumb on C note.
• Place left pinky on lower C note.
• Align other fingers to next four notes: C, D, E, F, G.
• Maintain this position throughout the lesson.

Learning the First Song

Pattern 1

• Left hand: Pinky, Thumb
• Right hand: Thumb, Middle
• Sequence: Pinky, Thumb, Thumb, Middle
• Use pedal to smooth sound out.

Pattern 2

• Similar to Pattern 1, but replace middle finger with pointer finger.
• Sequence: Pinky, Thumb, Thumb, Pointer
• Combine with Pattern 1 (4 times each).

Pattern 3 & 4

• Pattern 3: Same as Pattern 1
• Pattern 4: Use ring finger instead of middle finger in right hand.

Combining Patterns

• Play each pattern 4 times in sequence.
• Utilize pedal for smooth sound.
• Practice at varying speeds to sound professional.

Creating Variations

• Change Starting C Position:
  • Shift hand position to different C's for diverse sounds.
• Try G Position:
  • Shift from C position to G (left pinky and right thumb on G).
• Mix Patterns:
  • Alter order and frequency of patterns for creativity.
• Chords Technique:
  • Play patterns as chords (simultaneous notes) for variety.

Common Beginner Mistake

• Avoiding sheet music may save years if goal is to play modern songs.
• Focus on learning chord shapes for pop, jazz, blues, etc.
• Classical music requires reading sheet music.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to continue learning with chord shapes in future lessons.
• Subscribe for more lessons and to avoid missing updates.
• Next lesson: Learning to play favorite songs using chord shapes.