How to Play a Waltz on Accordion

When you learn how to play the accordion, you learn more than music theory. You learn about the specific needs of the instrument, how to move it to get rhythmic sounds and how the two "split" parts of the instrument relate to each other. For a waltz, you'll draw on basic beginner skills while recognizing the triplet beats so inherent to the waltz genre. Here's how to set up a good waltz on the accordion.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Pick a key. A lot of accordion players might choose middle C as it fits the keyboard well and they'll be able to stick to white keys for scale notes.

2. Find your bass buttons. With your left hand, identify the buttons (in the case of key of C, the C button and the G button, and possibly F) that fit the 1, 4 and 5 scale notes of your key. These are the most commonly used bass buttons for a waltz.

3. Start on the C bass button and move your accordion. If it's contracted, begin expanding, and vice versa. Make a short note by moving the accordion only for a short time, with your finger on the C bass button.

4. Start your bass waltz. Before bringing in your right hand, it's best to start up a rhythm with the bass. Since you've just done the beginning note, you'll want to continue, counting in threes. Play two more notes, either C-G, G-C, or another combination, keeping to a 1-2-3 beat.

5. Keep up the bass notes in rhythmic sets of three, and then add some keys from the left hand keys. Remember, in key of C, you can use the white keys for scale notes and create melodies without hunting for the thin black keys on the keyboard.