How to Achieve the Classic Accordion Oompah Sound

Although also used for such musical styles as conjunto and zydeco, the accordion is most closely associated with the polka and the "oompah" sound it makes as the left hand cycles through the buttons while the right hand dances over the keys. Here's how to achieve that classic "oompah" sound when you play.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Place your left ring finger over the middle rhinestone-marked button on the second row of buttons on the left side of the accordion. This is the "C" bass note.

2. Put your left middle finger over the third-row button just above and to the right of the "C" bass note. This is the "C major" chord button.

3. Hover your index finger over the second-row button directly above the "C" bass button. This is the "G" bass button. "G" is considered a "fifth" with respect to "C." For example, when singing "Do-re-mi-fa-sol" in the key of "C," "G" is "sol."

4. Press the "C" button, then the "C major" button and then the "G" button. Press the "C major" button again, and then the "C" button. Go back and forth in this fashion as you press the accordion bellows together and draw them apart. This is the classic "oompah" sound.

5. Vary the "oompah" by performing it in different keys. Place your left ring, middle and index fingers so that each rests one button below the original fingering. Your fingers now rest on the "F" bass button, "F major" chord button and "C" bass button. Cycle through the fingering again. You can also raise your fingers one set of buttons above the original set to finger the "G" bass, "G major" chord and "D" bass buttons. These three progressions are the most common for beginners.

Tips & Warnings

• Start slowly at first, then increase your speed as you become more comfortable cycling through the buttons.
• When learning to play the accordion, start with one equipped with 48 bass buttons, as opposed to the 120 bass button models used by more experienced players. They are lighter in weight and will accommodate the chord progressions described above.
• The arrangement of buttons on the left side of most accordions is called the Stradella system, developed in Italy in the 19th century. A modified form of this system is used on some chord organs.

Resources

• Watch a video on playing the accordion at Expert Village.
• Buy accordions from Accordion-O-Rama.