How to Play the Concertina
The concertina is one of several reed-and-bellows musical instruments invented in the early 1800s. Though not as well known as the accordion, it is widely played in folk music across Europe. It still uses musical buttons to play notes, while modern accordions have gone to piano style keys.
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Instructions
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1
Learn to read sheet music. The concertina uses the same type of sheet music and notes used for the piano.
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2
Hold the concertina with both hands. The treble (high) note buttons should be in the right hand and the bass (low) buttons are held by the left hand.
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3
Memorize which buttons play which notes. There are charts you can study that tell which buttons play each note. These charts can be ordered online.
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4
Press the air button to open and compress the bellows. This button is on the right hand side away from the treble buttons. You should press the button with your thumb.
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Play music by pushing the note buttons while expanding or compressing the bellows. A different note may play whether you expand or contract. It depends on the type of concertina you have.
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Tips & Warnings
Playing the concertina while sitting is recommended. You will need a neck strap on the concertina to play while standing.
There are three types of concertinas. Anglo concertina buttons play different notes for opening and compressing the bellows, while English and Duet concertina buttons play the same notes all time. English and Duets are different in the note pattern of the buttons.
