07. Playing Basic Melodies

Hello again! Last time, we worked on listening skills and ear training.

We’ve learned so much already. Now, we’re going to put what we’ve learned into practice with one of the most exciting parts, i.e., playing basic melodies!

This is where you get to make music that sounds like real songs. We’ll also do some finger exercises to make our fingers stronger. Let’s dive in and start making beautiful sounds on the piano!

Starting with One Hand

1. Using Your Right Hand

Why the Right Hand? We usually start with the right hand because it’s often used to play the melody, which is the main tune of a song.
Finger Numbers: Remember, each finger has a number:
- Thumb: 1
- Index Finger (Pointer Finger): 2
- Middle Finger: 3
- Ring Finger: 4
- Little Finger (Pinky): 5

2. Placing Your Fingers

Find Middle C: This is the C near the middle of the keyboard.
Finger Placement:
- Thumb (1): On Middle C
- Index Finger (2): On D
- Middle Finger (3): On E
- Ring Finger (4): On F
- Little Finger (5): On G

Learning Simple Songs

Let’s start with songs you might already know. These songs are easy and fun to play.

“Mary Had a Little Lamb”

Notes Used: E, D, C, D, E, E, E, D, D, D, E, G, G

Step-by-Step Guide:

Start with Finger 3 (Middle Finger) on E:
Play E (Finger 3)
Play D (Finger 2):
- Move to the left one key.
Play C (Thumb or Finger 1):
- Move to the left one more key.
Go Back to D (Finger 2):
- Move back to D.
Play E Three Times (Finger 3):
- Play E, E, E.
Play D Three Times (Finger 2):
- Play D, D, D.
Play E (Finger 3), then G (Finger 5), G (Finger 5):
- Skip over F to G.

Tips:

Take It Slow: Play each note slowly at first.
Say the Note Names or Finger Numbers: This helps you remember.
Repeat: Practice the song several times.

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

Notes Used: C, C, G, G, A, A, G

Step-by-Step Guide:

Start with Thumb (Finger 1) on C:
Play C (Finger 1) twice.
Move to G (Finger 5):
- Play G twice.
Play A (Move your hand or stretch):
- Play A twice.
Back to G (Finger 5):
- Play G once.

Tips:

Hand Movement: You may need to move your hand to reach A.
Practice Slowly: Focus on playing the right notes.

Practicing Finger Exercises

Before playing songs, it’s good to warm up your fingers.

1. Five-Finger Exercise

Place Fingers 1-5 on C-G:
- Thumb on C, Finger 2 on D, Finger 3 on E, Finger 4 on F, Finger 5 on G.
Play Up and Down:
- C-D-E-F-G-F-E-D-C
Repeat: Do this several times.

2. The Importance of Finger Exercises

Strengthens Fingers: Makes it easier to play notes.
Improves Coordination: Helps your fingers move smoothly.
Builds Muscle Memory: Your fingers remember where to go.

Adding Dynamics

Dynamics are about how loud or soft you play.

1. Playing Softly (Piano)

Gently Press the Keys: Use less force.
Listen to the Sound: It should be quiet.

2. Playing Loudly (Forte)

Press the Keys Firmly: Use more force.
Sound Will Be Louder: But don’t bang the keys.

3. Practice with Dynamics

Try Playing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” Softly and Then Loudly.
Mix It Up: Play parts softly and parts loudly.

Expressing Emotion Through Music

Music can show feelings.

1. Happy Music

Use Major Notes: Like C, D, E, F, G.
Play at a Medium or Fast Tempo: Not too slow.

2. Sad Music

Use Minor Notes: This is a bit advanced, but you can play E, D, C slowly.
Play Slowly: Gives a sad feeling.

3. Experiment

Try Different Tempos: Speed up or slow down.
Change Dynamics: Soft and loud playing can change the mood.

Using Both Hands

For now, let’s focus on the right hand, but it’s good to know about the left hand.

1. Left Hand Role

Usually Plays Harmony or Chords: Supports the melody.
Starts with Simple Notes: Like playing C with your left hand while the right hand plays the melody.

2. Simple Left-Hand Practice

Place Left-Hand Thumb (Finger 1) on C Below Middle C.
Play C at the Start of Each Measure: While the right hand plays the melody.

Tips for Successful Practice

1. Practice Regularly

Set Aside Time Each Day: Even 15 minutes helps.
Consistency Is Key: Regular practice makes progress.

2. Be Patient

Learning Takes Time: It’s okay if it feels hard at first.
Celebrate Small Wins: Each new note or song is a success.

3. Listen Carefully

Pay Attention to the Sounds: Helps you play better.
Adjust as Needed: If something doesn’t sound right, try again.

4. Use Finger Numbers

Helps with Coordination: Knowing which finger to use makes playing smoother.
Write Them Down: If you have sheet music, write finger numbers above the notes.

Fun Songs to Try

Here are some other easy songs you can learn:

“Ode to Joy”

Notes Used: E, E, F, G, G, F, E, D, C, C, D, E, E, D, D

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm”

Notes Used: G, G, G, D, E, E, D

“Happy Birthday”

Notes Used: G, G, A, G, C, B

Making Practice Fun

1. Set Goals

Learn One Song at a Time: Don’t rush.
Break It Down: Learn a few notes each day.

2. Play for Others

Family and Friends: Show them what you’ve learned.
Boosts Confidence: Helps you feel good about your progress.

3. Record Yourself

Use a Phone or Recorder: Listen to how you sound.
Hear Your Improvement: Over time, you’ll notice progress.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Difficulty Remembering Notes

Practice Repetition: Play the same part several times.
Use Flashcards: Write note names and practice.

2. Fingers Feeling Weak

Keep Doing Exercises: Strength comes with practice.
Take Breaks: Rest if your hands feel tired.

3. Feeling Frustrated

Stay Positive: Learning is a journey.
Ask for Help: If you have a teacher or friend who plays, they can guide you.

Encouragement

Remember:

Everyone Starts Somewhere: Even famous pianists were beginners once.
It’s About Enjoyment: Have fun with the music.
Progress Takes Time: Every practice session helps you improve.

Conclusion

Awesome job! You’ve started playing melodies and doing finger exercises.

Playing basic melodies is a huge step in your piano journey. It allows you to make music that others can recognize and enjoy. By starting with simple songs and practicing regularly, you’ll build a strong foundation for more complex pieces in the future.

Keep practicing, and you’ll get better and better. Also keep exploring new songs, have fun with dynamics, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each note you play brings you closer to becoming the pianist you want to be.

In our next lesson, we’ll learn about chords and harmony. We’ll see how to play chords and make our music sound richer. See you in the next lesson! Happy playing!

Next >>

Next.. >> Piano Tutorial – 08

For next topic in Piano Tutorial series of Learn Piano Step by Step: From Basics to Songs, click >>

Piano Tutorial – 08

Next Topic >>

Piano Notes for Songs

Song List

Easy Piano Songs For Beginners

Easy Piano Notes