Simpedia

Mark M., New York

Finger 4 on the “key note.” I.e., A for the Am version, C for the Cm version. Whatever key you might transpose this particular version of this particular song to, this approach allows 5/5 performance of this song. (Though in Cm and some other keys, of course, it’s not actually 5 fingers over 5 white notes, since some will be black.)

Finding appropriate LH positions is itself an element of learning accompaniments. I don’t get hung up about my students figuring it all out themselves, since it can be tricky, but it is something I always discuss when starting a new piece, right along with time signature and ratio. This is true whether I introduce something or students pick something for themselves.

Since even with I/IV/V songs students must get used to the idea of a variable relationship between their LH fingers and the notes / note names / keys for performance, it’s really just as well that students start seeing the need to be flexible about their LH from relatively early on.

Sheri R., California

All of the songs but two work while keeping LH on C. Something they are so used to already with Amazing Grace and Auld Lang Syne and Star-Spangled Banner and Honey Dew Variation. They simply open the thumb to A or Bb in some cases, which they may already know from Light Blue and Jackson Blues Arrangement 2. They are certainly comfortable opening the LH thumb (Night Storm). So even if there isn’t a C in the song or the song doesn’t start on C, it still works.

Light of First Dawning and Danny Boy with 7ths work well with LH on Db chord and just have them discover which fingers go on what notes. I also show them how they can determine the LH single notes and figure out some alternative hand placements–it can become a generative thing at this point–perhaps hand placement has them lowering bottom finger as in the LH of Ode to Joy.

They aren’t moving their hand in octaves yet at this stage, just keeping it stationary, unless previous extensive experience with playing. They may come up with something that seems awkward to me and I’ll show them easier alternatives until they get how they are looking for easy and consistent fingering which might change across songs.

Karolee G., Idaho

You do not have to teach octaves in the LH at this point if you don’t feel it’s appropriate (for me, I think of LH octaves as a “variation”, and show a student when it’s appropriate). I would put LH 5 on G, this puts all the LH notes under the LH with no position changes. Then, when moving to Scarborough Fair in Cm, I would put the LH 5 on B-flat. Of course, there are many ways the LH could be placed, this is just one idea.

Leanne V., Australia

I get my students to play the chords in the song – 4 of them – and ask them where they might put their fingers so that they can play the LH easily. Some will work it out and others need a little guiding. In Am we use Am, G, C, D. So can put their 5th finger on G, 4th on A, 2nd on C and thumb on D. This can apply to any key. In Cm – start with 4th on C and move the hand a little into the keys so the black notes are easily covered by finger 5 and 2.

My youngest child decided that she preferred playing 5th on C, jumped her thumb up to Bb, and then used her 3rd on Eb and 2nd on F. It worked – she played it fluently.