Piano Finger Exercises For Beginners: Improve Speed & Technique

Unlike other instruments, playing piano requires more than fingers. Though instrument lessons may seem daunting, there are several warm-ups and exercises to help you build on your technical skills. Thankfully, with finger exercises for beginners, you can quickly master how to use your fingers, arms, hands, and wrists.

Like strength training, finger exercises will help boost your flexibility, dexterity, and speed when you are playing. So before you even think of playing like the rock stars you see on TV,  you should build a firm foundation first. In this post, we’ve highlighted some of the best finger piano exercises to help you play like a pro.

• Focus On 5 Pentascales

This exercise requires that you learn how to identify the sound and how to use your finger muscles. This lesson will teach you how to control sound tempo and dynamics with just your fingers.  Since you are not using your arms or shoulders, all the strength will come from your fingers. Even if you don’t have strong muscles, you’ll quickly become used to playing with your fingers.

• Play When Your Fingers Are Firm

If you wish to master the piano, always practice when your fingers are firm. While your hands are at a playing level, bend your knuckles as if you were playing. You can then carry your hands and allow them to fall on the key. By positioning your hands on the keys, you’ll fully focus on getting the best finger position.

• Play A Whole Octave

Compared to fingering, playing a whole octave is not as easy. This is because you are supposed to play all the notes hence your hands will not be settled in one place. This finger exercise not only teaches you speed but accuracy as well. You can use your thumb to play C, index finger to play D, and then thumb to play F. Once you hit D with your index finger, hold your hand while lifting your thumb.

• Opt For Over-Legato

If you are just starting out, make sure the notes do not overlap. If your fingers are on C Major, you should relax your thumb. You should then use just your index fingers to play. This exercise will help you learn how to use your index finger. Although it can be difficult for beginners, you just need to practice and be patient.

• Play 2 Notes With One Hand

This exercise involves playing two notes with your middle finger and right-hand thumb. Before you begin, ensure your fingers are relaxed. This step serves to prevent them from interacting with other fingers. Compared to others, the pinky finger is known for wanting to be involved in what other fingers are doing.

• Press Down All The Keys

Pressing down all the keys allows you to focus on making your finger independent. You can start by pressing down all five keys before lifting one finger. Though this might seem easy, your pinky and ring fingers are likely to give you a major challenge. While you may not succeed at first, practice makes perfect.

• Play Triads

Play triads is a unique finger exercise that involves skipping one note. Also called a play in the thirds, this exercise involves playing C, E, and G while all the other fingers are on the note. Play triads will help train your brain to play different kinds of notes. To smoothen the exercise, begin with your right fingers. Once you know how to use both hands, arms, and muscles, you can use your left finger or the two hands.

• Learn How To Play Ascending And Descending Notes

After you’ve learned how to play the above, it’s time to go to ascending and descending notes. Using both hands, start from the lowest as you move up. Your right-hand pinky should play with your left-hand thumb and vice versa. This finger exercise might look simple but it requires a lot of practice. At first, take it slow while including it in your daily routine until you master everything. This way, you’ll learn fast and become a pro, and before you know it, you’ll even be capable of teaching others.

Although pianists look relaxed when playing, their fingers are in constant movement. The best way to become a great pianist is to learn finger exercises. This might not be easy, but if you practice continuously, these techniques will become natural.