{"id":1270,"date":"2022-10-23T19:04:04","date_gmt":"2022-10-23T19:04:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.handmadesound.com\/imparare-a-suonare-la-fisarmonica\/"},"modified":"2024-11-16T10:41:19","modified_gmt":"2024-11-16T10:41:19","slug":"learning-to-play-the-accordion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.handmadesound.com\/en\/learning-to-play-the-accordion\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning to Play the Accordion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/a>. Now, we\u2019d like to share some tips for those looking to learn how to play this instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first step to properly playing the accordion is undoubtedly adopting the correct posture<\/strong>. Depending on your comfort and stability, you can choose whether to play the instrument while standing or sitting<\/strong>. The only real precaution here is to avoid slouching or bending your back<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, 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 \u2018extension\u2019 of your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next step is to ensure that the accordion remains firmly anchored to your chest<\/strong>. In this phase, the left hand<\/strong> plays an important role. By inserting it under the tight strap (usually adjustable with a knob)<\/strong> of the button board<\/strong>, the wrist provides stability to the instrument, freeing up the right hand for vertical movement along the keyboard on the opposite side. It\u2019s essential to properly wear the accordion straps<\/strong>, 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\u2019s components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the right hand<\/strong>, you should get used to not bending your wrist<\/strong>. Although wrist twisting may come naturally when bringing your elbow close to your side and your hand to the keyboard, keeping your wrist parallel<\/strong> to the keyboard ensures better precision and maintains proper blood circulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The left hand<\/strong>, meanwhile, should stay firmly within the button board strap, positioned to reach even the outermost rows of buttons<\/strong>. Although the wrist should remain attached to the instrument, it needs a minimal range of motion under the strap<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Beginner\u2019s Accordion Lesson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve learned the correct posture and familiarized yourself with the accordion\u2019s various components, beginners can try a basic introductory lesson<\/strong> to grasp fundamental techniques. While this initial lesson won\u2019t transform a novice into a professional\u2014achieving that requires long-term study of musical theory and practical exercises under the guidance of a teacher\u2014it can help determine whether the interest in playing the accordion is genuine or just a passing fancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve strapped on the instrument, it\u2019s time for your left hand to \u2018get acquainted\u2019 with the button board<\/strong>. Depending on the type of accordion, the button board consists of a varying number of buttons<\/strong> (also called bass buttons<\/strong>), each representing a chord. For a first encounter, it\u2019s advisable to briefly rest your fingers on the bass buttons as if they were hot, prompting you to quickly lift your fingertips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to practice these movements \u2018blindly\u2019<\/strong>, without relying on your eyes to guide your finger placement. Although this may be challenging initially, it helps you develop the reflexes<\/strong> needed to play the instrument efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next step involves finding the C note on the button board<\/strong>. On a standard 120-bass button board<\/strong>, each of the six rows corresponds to a different group of notes. Starting from the left (closest to the hand position), you\u2019ll find counter-bass, fundamental bass, major chords, minor chords, seventh chords, and diminished chords<\/strong>. The C you\u2019re looking for is in the row of fundamental basses, often identifiable by a gem or a hole<\/strong> for tactile recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve located the C, you can start a basic exercise. Alternate between pressing the C and F-sharp bass buttons<\/strong> (located just below C) with your index and thumb<\/strong> while extending the bellows<\/strong>. Then, repeat this alternation in a waltz rhythm sequence<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next phase involves playing with both hands simultaneously<\/strong>, matching the chords on the keyboard with those on the button board while continuing to extend the bellows. This creates a basic accompaniment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginners can challenge themselves with more complex accompaniments by incorporating entire scales into their exercises<\/strong>. This approach enhances bellows control<\/strong> and deepens understanding of its vital role in the accordion\u2019s sound production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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