How to Play Spanish Button Accordion

Spanish button accordions feature rows of buttons on boths sides of the instrument.

Accordions come in many varieties, but most fall into one of two categories --- piano or button accordions. Button accordions differ from piano accordions in that they have rows of buttons on both sides, while one side of a piano accordion has a small keyboard. Both styles have bass buttons on the left side. Diatonic button accordions have buttons on the right side capable of playing a major scale. Diatonic button accordions are popular in European countries, including Spain.

Instructions

1. Place the shoulder straps over your shoulders. The accordion should rest against your body, but it should not be too tight.

2. Place the thumb of your right hand through the thumb strap, if desired. You may choose to play some treble buttons (the ones on the right side) with your thumb.

3. Practice playing each treble button. Most diatonic button accordions will play one note when you pull out the bellows and a different note when you push in the bellows. There may be one or more rows of treble buttons, and each row is capable of playing a scale in one key.

4. Play a scale with the treble buttons. Start by pressing the third button in a row of treble buttons and pull out the bellows. Push the bellows back in while still pressing the third button. Continue to the next button in the same manner until you have completed your scale.

5. If there is a strap on the left-hand side of the accordion, place your left hand underneath it. Practice playing the bass buttons. Like the treble side, the bass buttons play different notes when you push or pull the bellows. One row of bass buttons typically plays the fundamental bass note (the root of a chord), and the next row will play a chord complementary to the key or keys in which your accordion can play.

6. Practice any written music you wish to learn. Play one side of the accordion at a time before putting them together.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine in which key your accordion can play. You may need to transpose any written music to play in the key of your accordion.

References

• Delaguerre: Musician's Guide to the Club System Accordion

Resources

• Houston Accordion Club: Accordion Facts