The course › Unit 3: C position
Lesson 18 of 72 · A bass note on the left, the melody on the right
To start playing with both hands, the left hand plays just one long note per measure (a whole note), at the same time as the first note of the right hand. Then it holds, while the right hand keeps going.
The left-hand note is the bass: it supports the melody, like the foundations of a house.
Why this way: The golden rule of pianists: hands separately first, then together, slowly. You already know each hand of Ode to Joy; all that’s left is to put them together, at a slower speed. The speed will come on its own afterward.
Did you know?: At first, your hands want to do the same thing. Your brain learns to separate them: it’s real mental gymnastics, and it quickly becomes natural.
Play the two lit keys together, then the right hand goes on alone while the left hand holds.
The melody you know, with the bass: C (5) or G (1) at the start of each measure.
In rhythm, slowly at first. You can slow it down even more with the player’s speed setting. Right hand: the melody. Left hand: one whole note per measure (C or G).
Au clair de la lune with both hands: the left hand sometimes changes in the middle of the measure. The left hand changes in the middle of some measures: C (5), then G (1).
The notes of C position, in any octave.
You can now find your way around the whole keyboard, play in C position with each hand, count the beats, and put your two hands together.
Next step: reading notes on sheet music. You’ll see that everything you’ve played so far is written down very simply.
Tip: Your daily streak counts: even five minutes a day is better than an hour on Sunday.