Remember that there are 7 total musical notes. They are listed by letters from A to G. Each letter corresponds to a key on the piano.
For example, the lowest line corresponds to an E note. The next line is a G, and the one after that is a B.
There are actually 3 notes that fall between the staves. Imagine that there is an invisible line running between the staves, keeping them separate.
The bottom line corresponds to a G note, followed by a B, D, F, and A note. The spaces, starting from the bottom one, are A, C, E, and G.
Remember that there is a space between middle C and each staff. These spaces correspond to notes B and D. If you’re unsure of where a note is, you can choose any of the notes you know, like middle C, and count to it using the piano’s white keys. For example, B is 1 key before C, while D is 1 key after it. Practice by drawing a staff and labeling the notes in a random order. Alternatively, count the white keys on the piano to find different notes.
Middle C is usually played with your right hand unless you’re using it to hit notes higher on the keyboard.
Grandma’s house has a front door (F) on the left and a back door (B) on the right. Grandma (G) is next to the front door and has baked an apple pie (A). Starting with the C key, the white keys are CDE and FGAB. Go over the story several times while practicing until you’re able to memorize the notes.
Combine this shortcut with the short story and other tricks until you’re able to memorize the notes. Then, remove the stickers to try playing without them.
For example, if you hit an F note and need to go back to a D note, you can count down to it. It will be 2 notes away. If you play a C note but want it in a higher pitch, count 7 white keys to the right. For a lower pitch, count 7 keys to the left. This is a useful trick if your piano’s keys aren’t labeled and you lose track of the notes while playing.
For example, if you place your finger on a C key, the black key to the right is C-sharp. It is to the left of a D key, so it is also D-flat. They are the same note. The black keys repeat just like the white keys do, so you can find notes no matter where you have your hands.
Scales are one of the simplest but most effective exercises for learning piano notes. Whenever you’re about to play the piano, warm up with scales for 15 to 20 minutes. Many scales can be played with one hand. Eventually, transition to longer scales that require both your hands. Some other scales to try include the C major arpeggio, C minor, and C minor arpeggio scales. There are many other scales as well, and they are all made up of different notes.
Some good examples of songs to start with include Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Hot-Crossed Buns, and Mary Had A Little Lamb.
Another way to do this is to make a melody by hitting several different keys. Don’t play the notes in order like you would for a scale. Make something harder to remember that forces you to move your hands.
Learning right and left-handed parts separately is easier at first. Combine them as you gain experience. Another option is to play the same songs and scales at a different pitch. Shift your hands to the left to hit lower notes and to the right to hit higher notes. When playing scales, try moving up the scale with your right hand and back down it with your left hand.
Playing with speed becomes easier once you successfully memorize the notes. You may still need to check your hand positioning from time to time, but not as much as when you started.
Search for piano recordings online. Make sure they are clear and audible so you have an easier time recognizing the notes. Start with simple songs while you’re still learning the notes. Move onto harder pieces when you think you know where the notes are on the piano keys.
Remember where the notes begin repeating. They begin repeating after every set of 7 white keys. The keys are used to play the same notes at higher and lower pitches. Look at the keys while you play to get accustomed to their positioning. Note which ones you’re touching and the sound they produce.
One way to practice is by playing various scales without looking. Then, move onto simple songs. With enough practice, you won’t even need to look down to know where the notes are.
