piano question...

[cranberrysauce]

I posted this question the other day, and it sadly got lost in Off Topic, but I wanted it over here anyhow, as it was a music related post

Let me ask an easier question that I did to begin with:

What is the acceptable way to finger a D, A, or E major on the piano (inverted) w. the right hand?

I usually, for example, if playing E.... play the B note with my thumb, E note wity my index finger, and the G# with my ring finger.

Here is part 2 of the question... if you want to add a 7... how would you play the D? I personally play the E and D together with my index finger.

I know this is likely a matter of personal preference, but I would like to know the generally accepted way

Thanks... I cant seem to find these answers online. I seem to have found just about everything else, but not that!!

[stretchcat]

It's generally not a good idea to play two notes with one finger unless your name is Thelonius Monk.

Try this:
B - thumb
D - Index
E - Middle
G# - Pinky (oops, you are right BlackLake)

[BlackLake]

In RCM Piano, the most accepted and taught way to play the E major (2nd inversion) is:

(fingers are numbered 1 2 3 4 5 - thumbs are 1)

B (1) E (3) G# (5), however for comfort, you push the hand forward just enough so the pinky (5) is comfortable on the G#

And your (2) is now in a perfect position to play the D

Left hand however:

B (5) E (2) G# (1), which leaves the (3) perfect for hitting the D.

(same fingering goes for D and A)

A great book for this (includes fingering) Browns Scale Book

In RCM, some examiners can and will deduct marks for incorrect fingering (in technical excercises only) so I teach the right way the first time for my students.

[cranberrysauce]

Thanks guys, I think your suggestion works a bit better than the way I had been playing inversions on piano (right hand). I usually play octaves with the left hand (ala... Lennon, McCartney, or any other guitarist or bassist sitting at the keys).

And no, Im not Mr. Monk.... and I felt somehow deep down that playing 2 notes with 1 finger was "wrong".....

And I think for 7s, this method is also best. We play alot bluesy, and some cajun sounding stuff that uses lots of 7ths and I play lots of keyboard riffs that include the 7th (esp. on an E7).

[BlackLake]

As for playing 2 notes with one finger, yes it is not "usual", but it's not "wrong" either.

I have done it many times, how else can a keyboardist pull off a 6+ note chord without doubling up.

[cranberrysauce]

You know what.... after practicing the "correct" way, I find my middle finger getting "stuck" between the black keys when I play an inverted D (for example)... Ill accidentally hit the black keys with my finger when pressing the D with my middle finger. Im guessing my finger needs to be lower (as in... below the black keys). Hey, I can play great the "wrong" way, but this correct way has alot of kinks!!!!

[BlackLake]

Originally Posted by cranberrysauce

You know what.... after practicing the "correct" way, I find my middle finger getting "stuck" between the black keys when I play an inverted D (for example)... Ill accidentally hit the black keys with my finger when pressing the D with my middle finger. Im guessing my finger needs to be lower (as in... below the black keys). Hey, I can play great the "wrong" way, but this correct way has alot of kinks!!!!

Ok...

1) Does your keyboard have full sized keys?
2) Do you have fat fingers? (sorry, I have to ask)
3) Do you have long fingers?

Hand Position: Place a tennis ball, or similiar sized piece of fruit (or whatever) and completely cup it with your hand...remove ball and that's a good starting point (don't play with fingers too curled, or too straight)
website: http://www.bluesjazzpiano.com/piano-hand-positions.html

Now, when I say to push your hand forward, just go far enough so the (5) can hit the G# (any further is not necessary)...other finger may need to be curled a bit.

Even myself, I use whatever fingers are (a) comfortable, and (b) practical for what comes next in the song.

Even in classical music, fingering is merely suggested (unless it's Flight of the Bumblebee )

Starting with the RCM suggestions teaches you "good habits"

eg. C major RH

CEG EGC GCE CEG
135 125 135 135

*most triads can use this fingering, alter for personal comfort.

[stretchcat]

Originally Posted by BlackLake

As for playing 2 notes with one finger, yes it is not "usual", but it's not "wrong" either.

I have done it many times, how else can a keyboardist pull off a 6+ note chord without doubling up.

I rarely play chords with that many notes in them with one hand. The most common way that I might play two notes with one finger is if I were playing solo piano and I played a big G maj7 chord (for instance). I might play G, D, A, B in my left hand with my thumb playing A and B. My right hand would be playing the major 7 and other colorful and interesting tones associated with G maj7.

[cranberrysauce]

Originally Posted by BlackLake

Ok...

1) Does your keyboard have full sized keys?
2) Do you have fat fingers? (sorry, I have to ask)
3) Do you have long fingers?

Hand Position: Place a tennis ball, or similiar sized piece of fruit (or whatever) and completely cup it with your hand...remove ball and that's a good starting point (don't play with fingers too curled, or too straight)
website: http://www.bluesjazzpiano.com/piano-hand-positions.html

Now, when I say to push your hand forward, just go far enough so the (5) can hit the G# (any further is not necessary)...other finger may need to be curled a bit.

Even myself, I use whatever fingers are (a) comfortable, and (b) practical for what comes next in the song.

Even in classical music, fingering is merely suggested (unless it's Flight of the Bumblebee )

Starting with the RCM suggestions teaches you "good habits"

eg. C major RH

CEG EGC GCE CEG
135 125 135 135

*most triads can use this fingering, alter for personal comfort.

Well, it's possible that the keyboard I have at home for goofing off in the computer room isnt full sized. I still though Id be able to play without running out of finger room. Its "almost" full sized however... oh well.

And no, I have nice sized fingers.... oh, that didnt sound right...