How to Play Chopsticks on the Piano

One of the easiest piano pieces to play is "Chopsticks." It's thought to have gotten its name because the way it's usually played, with one finger from each hand, resembles Chinese eating utensils; however, it was originally meant to be played with the entire hand, held sideways and having the pinky finger striking the piano keys, physically resembling a chopping motion. This simple piano lesson will help you perfect this commonly recognized tune.

Instructions

1. Begin with your index fingers from each hand on the F and G notes. These two notes are to the right and left, respectively, of the first black key in a grouping of three when you're looking from left to right. You can begin from any F and G but it's most commonly played near the middle of the keyboard. Play these two notes together six times.

2. Move your left finger over one white note to the E while keeping your right finger on the G. Play these two notes together six times.

3. Move your left finger down one more white key to the D and your right finger up two white notes to a B. Play these two notes together six times.

4. Move your left finger down one more white key to a C and your right finger up one white key to the next C. Play these two notes together four times.

5. Work your fingers back to the original starting position on F and G. Do this by moving each finger in one white key and playing those keys together one time. This will result in playing the D and B together, the E and A together, and ending on the F and G. When you play the F and G together this is the first of the six times you play these notes to begin the song.

6. Repeat Steps 1 through 4, only striking the two C notes once to end the song.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many variations of "Chopsticks" so not every version will sound the same. These steps teach the most basic form of the song.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish