How To

How to Play Accordion With the Left Hand

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor
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A large part of learning accordion for beginners is being able to navigate the bass notes on the left side of the instrument. The bass section is part of a split system where the right hand plays keys on a keyboard and the left hand presses a series of buttons while expanding and contracting the bellows. Here's how to learn beginning left hand techniques for accordion.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Find your bass buttons. They'll be in five diagonal rows on the left side of the instrument.

  2. Step 2

    Learn the layout. It's basically like this: there's two rows of single note bass buttons in front, and behind them are four chord rows in this order: major, minor, seventh and diminished. Any button you push creates either single note or a chord.

  3. Step 3

    Identify middle C on the bass button structure. Accordion makers usually mark this note with a stone or off-color crown so you can find it easily. Remember, every key has its own diagonal row.

  4. Step 4

    Push your buttons. When you've found the buttons you'll be using to create chords and notes in bass that complement your right hand play, start by pressing down firmly on a bass or chord button.

  5. Step 5

    Hold the button in while expanding and contracting the accordion and listen to the tone that bass button creates.

  6. Step 6

    Practice the same with different bass buttons to hear the differences between them.

  7. Step 7

    Start with your right hand when you're ready. Play along with both hands in unison, the left hand on the bass buttons and the right hand on the keyboard.

Tips & Warnings
  • You'll also want to practice starting and stopping to produce quick staccato notes. You can hold the bass button in and create short notes by manipulating the bellows.

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