How to Play the Accordion Keyboard

The accordion is a fun instrument to play. The accordion first appeared in Vienna in 1829 and had only a keyboard and bellows--chord buttons were added later. The accordion keyboard is set up very much like a standard keyboard, with the same notes on white and black keys.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Examine the keys on the accordion keyboard. Accordion keyboards come in a variety of sizes based on the number of bass buttons; for example, a 60 Bass 34 Key accordion.

2. Use the keyboard portion of the accordion to play melody lines and simple chords. The chord buttons on the other side of the instrument are sustained chord buttons and will accompany the melody lines.

3. Identify groups of 2 black keys along the keyboard. The white key or note in front of each 2 black keys is a C.

4. Place your thumb on the C and your pinky on the G, which is 5 white keys up the scale.

5. Choose songs you can play using the notes C, D, E, F and G so you don't have to move your hand while you play. Once you are more familiar with the feel of the keyboard, add songs that require you to move your hand outside of the C through G range.

6. Practice playing only the keyboard section of your instrument before adding the chord buttons.

7. Add chord buttons to your simple melody. If you keep your hand in the position described in Step 5, you will most likely be playing a song in the key of C. You will have the best luck trying the "C" and "G" chord buttons as you play.

Resources

• Learn more about playing the accordion at Big Band.