How to Play Legato on the Piano

An important skill in piano playing is learning to play legato. Legato is a musical technique in which you play a group of notes smoothly, without a break or silence between notes. In written music, legato is notated by a curved line, called a slur, above or below a group of notes. This technique can easily be practiced during warm-up scales in order for it to become second nature.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Place your hands over the keys, with each finger over a different key. Keep your hands in the correct position, as if holding a tennis ball, and your fingertips touching the keys.

2. Press the key down under your right thumb.

3. Keep your thumb on the key for the entire note count.

4. Release your thumb from the key and press your index finger down on the next key at the same time.

5. Practice the same press and release with the rest of the fingers on your right hand.

6. Complete this exercise with your left hand as well to learn to play smoothly with both hands.

Tips & Warnings

• If your hands are in the correct piano playing position, it is easier to play legato. The correct position allows you to only lift and lower the fingers that are playing.
• Playing the piano legato does not mean that you need to play softly. You can play smooth, loud notes as well. You should practice the legato steps playing loudly and softly so that you are easily able to do both.
• Avoid using the piano pedals when learning to play legato. Being able to play notes smoothly is a basic piano playing technique that must be mastered without the aid of the pedals.