How to Play Accordion With the Left Hand

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Find your bass buttons. They'll be in five diagonal rows on the left side of the instrument.
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. 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. 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. Hold the button in while expanding and contracting the accordion and listen to the tone that bass button creates.
6. Practice the same with different bass buttons to hear the differences between them.
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.