If you are unfamiliar with the history and types of accordions, we recommend reading our article on how an accordion is made and how it works. Now, we’d like to share some tips for those looking to learn how to play this instrument.
The first step to properly playing the accordion is undoubtedly adopting the correct posture. Depending on your comfort and stability, you can choose whether to play the instrument while standing or sitting. The only real precaution here is to avoid slouching or bending your back, which should always remain straight to maintain balance. Finding your posture is a key moment for anyone picking up the accordion for the first time. Unlike lighter instruments, the accordion weighs an average of around 12 kg, ranging from 6 to 15 kg. Therefore, identifying your center of gravity is crucial for improving control and coordination, allowing the accordion to become a true ‘extension’ of your body.
The next step is to ensure that the accordion remains firmly anchored to your chest. In this phase, the left hand plays an important role. By inserting it under the tight strap (usually adjustable with a knob) of the button board, the wrist provides stability to the instrument, freeing up the right hand for vertical movement along the keyboard on the opposite side. It’s essential to properly wear the accordion straps, adjusting them to fit your body. An excellent complementary accessory is a back strap, which minimizes strap movement and keeps the accordion snug against your chest. Once secured, you can focus on learning the actual playing techniques while familiarizing yourself with the instrument’s components.
As for the right hand, you should get used to not bending your wrist. Although wrist twisting may come naturally when bringing your elbow close to your side and your hand to the keyboard, keeping your wrist parallel to the keyboard ensures better precision and maintains proper blood circulation.
The left hand, meanwhile, should stay firmly within the button board strap, positioned to reach even the outermost rows of buttons. Although the wrist should remain attached to the instrument, it needs a minimal range of motion under the strap to allow the hand to move up or down as needed for different chords. Once the left hand is in position, it can press a button above the strap to shift the arm leftward, facilitating a full bellows extension. During this motion, the right hand should avoid pressing any keyboard keys, and the same button should be pressed again once the bellows are closed.
A Beginner’s Accordion Lesson
Once you’ve learned the correct posture and familiarized yourself with the accordion’s various components, beginners can try a basic introductory lesson to grasp fundamental techniques. While this initial lesson won’t transform a novice into a professional—achieving that requires long-term study of musical theory and practical exercises under the guidance of a teacher—it can help determine whether the interest in playing the accordion is genuine or just a passing fancy.
Once you’ve strapped on the instrument, it’s time for your left hand to ‘get acquainted’ with the button board. Depending on the type of accordion, the button board consists of a varying number of buttons (also called bass buttons), each representing a chord. For a first encounter, it’s advisable to briefly rest your fingers on the bass buttons as if they were hot, prompting you to quickly lift your fingertips.
It’s also a good idea to practice these movements ‘blindly’, without relying on your eyes to guide your finger placement. Although this may be challenging initially, it helps you develop the reflexes needed to play the instrument efficiently.
The next step involves finding the C note on the button board. On a standard 120-bass button board, each of the six rows corresponds to a different group of notes. Starting from the left (closest to the hand position), you’ll find counter-bass, fundamental bass, major chords, minor chords, seventh chords, and diminished chords. The C you’re looking for is in the row of fundamental basses, often identifiable by a gem or a hole for tactile recognition.
Once you’ve located the C, you can start a basic exercise. Alternate between pressing the C and F-sharp bass buttons (located just below C) with your index and thumb while extending the bellows. Then, repeat this alternation in a waltz rhythm sequence (1,2,3-1,2,3) pressing C on the first beat and F on the next two. Repeat the motion until you gain some fluency.
The next phase involves playing with both hands simultaneously, matching the chords on the keyboard with those on the button board while continuing to extend the bellows. This creates a basic accompaniment.
Beginners can challenge themselves with more complex accompaniments by incorporating entire scales into their exercises. This approach enhances bellows control and deepens understanding of its vital role in the accordion’s sound production.
Taking Accordion Lessons with a Professional
As with any musical instrument, those eager to learn accordion should seek the guidance of an experienced teacher. Ideally, this should be done before purchasing an accordion (if you don’t already own one), as the teacher can recommend the type of accordion best suited to your needs.
When choosing a teacher, several factors should be considered. Not all great accordionists are great teachers. More important than an internationally renowned musician is someone who can build good rapport with their student and communicate clearly. Experienced teachers can tailor a learning path to fit the student’s pace and abilities. While some teachers offer a ‘trial lesson’, it’s important to remember that a single hour or two may not be enough to determine the teaching style’s suitability. Initial impressions, whether positive or negative, can also be misleading.
Generally, the best way to find a good accordion teacher is through word of mouth. While there’s always a chance of finding an unsuitable teacher, someone recommended by many is worth considering.