You might think playing the accordion requires a broad knowledge of musical notation. However, dare to guess? Not really. So, if you are a beginner and want to know more about how to play the accordion, keep reading for some useful tips.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting to Know the Accordion
Step 1. Get the right accordion type
There are many different types of accordions available, but only some are more suitable for beginners. The more information you get, the better prepared you will be for successful learning to play the accordion. Here is a selection of the most appropriate accordion for beginners.:
Piano accordion. This is the most widely used type of accordion, with the power of a typical piano and a very portable size. This accordion has between 25 and 45 piano-style treble keys on the right side. On the left side, the accordion features a bass-chord keyboard (bass-chord). This accordion system is called a stradella, and usually has 120 brass keys
Step 2. Identify the structure of a musical instrument
The accordion consists of a number of parts, all of which play an important role in the sound produced.:
- Melody key. Here are the keys on the accordion keyboard section.
- bellows. These are the folds in a musical instrument that allow it to lengthen and contract.
- Register button. This button is pressed to change the tone of the accordion. Usually, there is a register key on the treble side for the piano keyboard, and a second one for the bass keys. This key can change the accordion sound from deep and dense to thin and high.
- Harmonics, base, air valve. These knobs allow air to escape, thereby adjusting the pitch of the sound.
- Right hand strap (strap). This is the main strap of the instrument that allows you to hold it firmly against your chest.
Step 3. Use the right size
Children, teens and adults should start with using different sizes due to differences in hand and general body measurements.
- Children should start by using the accordion that has the least number of bass keys, namely 12 bass keys and 25 treble keys.
- Teens and adults should start with the 48 bass accordion. This accordion has 48 bass chords and 26 treble chords.
- The 48 bass piano accordion is very light, and easy to use and hold. Plus, you can play a wide variety of music with this instrument, which will make you want to keep using it even if you're too old for it.
Step 4. Place the accordion on your chest with the keys facing out
When you start holding your instrument in the next section of this article, your left hand should move horizontally and vertically, while your right hand should only move vertically. For now, just hold on and see if it feels comfortable or not..
Part 2 of 3: Holding the Accordion
Step 1. Sit or stand while holding the accordion
Some people prefer to stand while playing and others prefer to sit while holding their instrument. What matters is your sense of comfort and confidence. So, try different positions until you feel comfortable.
Step 2. Don't bend over
Your posture is very important when playing this instrument and bending over will cause inaccuracies in your balance and ultimately your playing.
Step 3. Learn the right balance
The accordion is relatively large in size and requires little recognition when handling it. The ability to maintain the right balance is very important. The better balance you can maintain to maintain the accordion's weight, the better you can play due to more control. Plus, the more control you have, the less discomfort the accordion weight can cause.
Step 4. Tighten the instrument against your chest
Tuck your left arm under the accordion strap. You need to hold it like you're holding a backpack against your chest. The keys of the piano should be on your right side and your left hand should go through the bottom of the bass string--the small string on the left side of the instrument.
- Note that there is usually an adjustment wheel on the left side to adjust the straps.
- Make sure your accordion is securely in place so that it doesn't slide around as you move.
Step 5. Try using a back strap
Additional straps can be very useful. The back strap will keep the shoulder straps tight so the accordion doesn't move.
- Remember, if the back strap is too far down, the weight will be lifted off the shoulders, making the strap loose at the top. As a result, your rope moves and shifts.
- Keep the back strap higher, or fasten it diagonally.
- Remember, as the string stays tight, so does your instrument.
Step 6. Remove the safety buckle
Buckles can be found on the top and bottom of the instrument. Be careful not to push or pull the accordion.
Part 3 of 3: Playing the Accordion
Step 1. Place your wrists parallel to the keyboard
Do not bend your right wrist while keeping your elbow close to your side. It will feel a little awkward at first, but you will get better accuracy when your hand circulation is not hampered.
This only applies to the right arm
Step 2. Slide your left hand through the string that runs under the bass keyboard
You can curl your fingers and place them on the bass keys. Your right hand should be free and placed on the piano keyboard..
Step 3. Press the single button on the left side near the strap
Press the button gently, and pull the instrument with your left arm. You will hear a hissing sound as air enters the accordion and the bellows opens.
- Remember, pressing this button when opening and closing the bellows while moving is important.
- Do not press the keyboard when opening and closing the bellows.
Step 4. Focus on playing the bass first
Regardless of how many bass buttons you have on your accordion, you'll quickly notice that they generate chords, or rhythms, automatically. This is due to the mechanism on the accordion..
- The term chord refers to the sound produced by a series of notes played simultaneously.
- Press the bass buttons only briefly. Imagine the buttons on fire, then lift your finger immediately.
Step 5. Try not to look at your fingers
It's quite difficult at first, but you need to train yourself not to see where your fingers are moving.
Step 6. Find the C note
These keys are usually a bit tucked away or hidden, but can be found on the top row of keys 8, 12, 16, 24 and 36 on all bass instruments. If your accordion is a larger type, look for the C note on the second line.
Step 7. Don't just focus on the piano keyboard
For now, all you have to worry about is getting yourself comfortable with your instrument, and focusing on the first two lines of the bass keys.
No matter how many rows of bass keys there are on your accordion, you will only see the first two rows
Step 8. Place your index finger on the C note
Then, tuck your thumb under your index finger and press the button that's directly below the C note. It won't be right in the middle, but under the button your index finger is pressing.
Step 9. Pull the bellows out
Then, press the two keys alternately to produce a chord. You will produce an oom-pah sound.
Try pulling the bellows gently for the best sound effect
Step 10. Try a waltz rhythm
The waltzes are 1, 2, 3--1, 2, 3. Play the C note on the first beat, then press the button just below the C note on the second and third beats.
Step 11. Play the two corresponding keys on each side of the two notes you just learned to play
This is how you produce just a note or rhythm accompaniment.
Step 12. Add bellows
Now try to pull the bellows inward while simultaneously pressing the four buttons you just learned. Repeat this several times as an exercise.
Step 13. Learn with a little practice
Try another easy scale exercise that will help you produce a regular sequence of sounds.:
- Extend the bellows of a musical instrument.
- Push back together gently and evenly, then hold down the first key.
- Keep pressing the chords as you change direction by pulling the instrument in different directions.
- Continue on to the next key, pressing and pulling it away.
- Move on to the next key, and now you've played Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La.
Step 14. Try practicing right-handed chords
In this exercise, you can keep your fingers on the keyboard. Place your thumb on the C note and your little finger on the G note: start with the third finger on the E note..
Step 15. Continue practicing at a steady tempo
Maintaining rhythm is one of the keys to the accordion. One way to create a steady rhythm is to practice using a metronome.
Step 16. Try playing the bass and right-handed chords at the same time
Alternately play the C bass notes and C major bass keys until they feel smooth and light. After that, enter a right-handed C major chord (with white C, E, G notes). This right-handed chord can be maintained or played with the bass button chord.
Coordination in both hands will be difficult at first. So you really have to understand the movement required. Repeat the above exercises until you feel confident and can learn more difficult songs
Warning
- Never press or pull on the accordion unless the bellows lock or release button (the button on the top of the accordion bass, where the wrist strap rests, allows you to move the accordion without making a sound) is pressed - this can damage the reed and make a discordant accordion sound.
- There is a candle in the accordion. Therefore, wax can crack if it is too cold and melt if it is too hot.
- Always keep your accordion standing, whether it's in a box or not.
- Store at moderate temperature.
- Do not store in the car because the temperature of the car can change easily and become very hot or very cold.
