Which fingers do you use in your left hand?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Left hand fingering lesson: accordionlove....
Learn the accordion for FREE with a 3-day trial to Accordion Love.
Plus instant access to sheet music, lessons, and great accordion songs.
accordionlove....
Excellent teaching
I thought certain times of my life were challenging, then I started studying acccordion left-had technique 😂Really enjoy your videos! Went with three finger major scales starting with finger 3 on tonic and for minor scales, finger 2 on tonic so I could make the downward reach to the CB row. I'm probably guilty of neglecting my pinky, some would say.
I wish someone would have shown me this 4 years ago. Having no lessons, I picked up the accordion and just did the 3-2 method. I was shown the 4-3 method last year, and tried to pick it up, but by that time the bad habit had been learned. I'm still on the 3-2 method, and it is suiting me just fine so far. Glad to have some justification that its ok.. Thank you
Yeah, if it works, keep using it 😊
If it ain't broke - don't fix it. !!!
Just what I needed!
Liberty Bellows has this advice : There's a lot of debate on this topic. What I have deduced over the years is that the 4-3 method is easier for casual players who mainly play rhythm accompaniment on the left hand. It has the benefit that you can use 3 fingers which tends to give more stability and structure for beginners. The 3-2 method however is better in the long run because it allow for easier transition to complex scales and bass runs that are more awkward with the 4-3 method (though still possible if you have a strong pinky). Stas (and most virtuoso players who are classically trained) will use the 3-2 method. In theory you should be able to play either way 3-2 or 4-3 as needed.
I am trying to learn the 4-2-3 for alternate bass (7th and minor chords), but get confused when going up and down , ie, I get used to the pattern going down (from B7 to Fm in the tune I am currently trying to learn), and then get confused on the way back up after, if that makes sense ? Practice makes perfect though I guess !
Interesting, Adrian. I haven't gotten I to scales with my left hand, but I see how a specific fingering style would help over another. Thanks for the insight!!
@@moshezuchter Taught the 3 finger method since the early 50s
I was taught in the 80ies as a child...I'm a middle finger player, haha.
Thanks for this series. Greetings from Greece!
Yup! Whatever works :)
I've always used the 4th finger for the root note. In a beginning (and so on for another 6 or 7 months) I played the minor chords with my 3rd, and that was ok for the first and easiest songs. Then, I noticed that for more complicated and elaborated forms of playing the bass bottoms, its waaaay more easy to play de minor chord with the 2nd finger and left the 3rd to alternate the bass or to play the root note and use the 4th to play another note that's not close. So, I had to re-learn and get used to this (not easy at all after this time playing that way), but, how you say, its worthy once you notice that you can do more things, and in a effortless way.
Ps. you have made much more simple and entertaining my personal journey into the accordion. I love you, and I mean it.
Greetings from Chile
I played around with both styles when I started playing accordion, and eventually settled on 4-3, because it’s just much more flexible in my opinion. The 3-2 can come in handy for scales though because it makes it easy to use the 4th finger to transition to counterbass buttons.
Good point, Nicolas!
I always use 4 on the counterbass and 2 on the minor, 7th and dim chords. For the fundamental bass and major chords it can be 2, 3, 4 or 5 depending on what fits. It's good to find your way around the bass keyboard with varying patterns
I had played for a few years 3/2 but at your suggestion to a comment I posted switched to 4/2. I found it shockingly easy although perhaps it's because I use a hybrid. 4 for base, 3 for major and minor, 2 for 7ths with some variations. It helped a lot. Thanks.
Ooh. Glad it helped and thanks for sharing your setup
Wouldn't be a great idea to start a series for begginers, from practice to some easy songs?:) For me as a under a month lerner would be super usefull, and I'm sure that for others as well. Keep up the good work anyway!
Did you stick with the accordion?
@@damerkman sincerely, no man... I kept the practice going for only a month or two after and then, from time to time I would sing a couple of notes...
But because of you, I will try to start again. Thanks man
@@herecomedatmlgboi6068 just don't quit... I am two years into it and can only play very simple songs... but it is because I am not able to practice as much as I should... eventhough I can't do as much as I would like.... I still do what I can. Even slow progress is better than no progress
Thanks! Just what I was looking for as a new player :)
Thank you, the alternating bass was all I wanted to know. I used to do the um-pas with my 3-2 then switch to 4-3-2 when doing the alternating bass. Then I thought "wait, didn't I see somewhere someone saying that I shouldn't change my finger style?" so I started practicing doing alternating bass with just 3-2. But just in case, I don't wanna learn a bad habit that I need to unlearn later, so I tried to find someone who explains how to do the alternating bass. I will try both styles to see what I prefer. I feel that 3-2 is easier because it's always "left, right, left, right" while 4-3-2 is "left, middle, right, middle, left, middle" which is kinda why I thought I might be doing it wrong and switched to just 3-2 for everything.
Yup! Whatever works for you. I've seen it done both ways with lots of success.
I prefer the 4 method, where the ring finger is always the one hitting the root, the "oom".
My lesson on alternate bass technique (requires subscription, but 7-day free trial available):
accordionlove.com/course/alternate-bass-technique/
i sometimes use either method depending on the key minor or major or the song
I always use my ringfinger on the groundbass...this allows you to make it easy play "walking" ground bass patterns.
man, just tried the 4th finger way.. so better. thankfully I'm still a begginer so there is not to much damage.
Awesome!! Happy to hear :)
Thanks ! You answered my question perfectly !
Yay!
Thank you for this, I am a bare bones, so far self taught beginner who has been getting accustomed to having my ring finger be the one on the primary bass row. Much of my left hand effort is involved in moving up and down it without drifting into the major chord or more commonly, the counter bass row. I watched this earlier and as I was about to reply, my internet connection was interrupted, I went for my instrument. Didn't manage the oom pah with alternating with G, but did discover that my 2nd finger gave easier access to the C major. I'll have that after another few viewings I'm sure. Just played early method material that has the primary note and major chords together and it drowned out my treble. My first instrument did that with single bass notes! Need to learn light touch on the buttons while I'm learning to put both ends together. Will have to break up all those whole and dotted half notes :)
Further explanation: I have been adjusting to using the tips of my fingers, and am still troubled with pressing neighboring buttons from time to time. My 3rd finger is a great offender when the target is a minor key. The index finger made it smoother. I also found that if I went between the major chords instead of the note+ it was less frustrating
When I started play accordion I use 4-3 method because most people use this technique, but I better feel the rythm when I use 3-2 method, I don't know why but that works better for me ;-)
I recently switched to 4th finger and by doing so have increased my repertoire quite a bit, and my enjoyment of accordion. I only miss some of the bass scales which are easier with 3rd finger.
Great!
that helps me to negotiate the buttons
I learned the 4 3 2 finger method and that was 40 years . I have just picked it back up after 30 years and it's still in grained into me . Not that I can full member it
Like riding a bike 😉
@moshezuchter ua-cam.com/video/hC6PzRb_alc/v-deo.htmlsi=sy_ZFewBj21f5415 a little rusty bit it's there. Left hand part was the basic exercise I practiced over and over, and the right is trying to remember a Christmas song. My aim is simply master the basics first so I then have the skills for the advanced things.
This is very helpful. I am using 4-3 at the moment and have a question about playing minor 7 chords. Which fingering you recommend eg to play Am7 by playing C major with and A from the counterbass row? I have a feeling you must have covered this in one of your videos!
Self-taught, but I never thought that there might be a ‘right/wrong’ fingering and I can’t tell you what fingering I use out of context! Whichever fingering is easiest for me, I would guess. If I play a chord sequence C F G, with a typical oompah bass figure (?) I would guess 4 3 2 3 for C (finger 2 on the alternate G bass note), 5 4 3 4 for F, and 3 2 3 2 for G. Yeah, just tried it and it seems comfortable.
If it works, it works!
I use the 3 figure ill try the 4 seems realy good.thank you
Thank you so much! I just started learning how to play, the book i have says to use either 3/4 or 2/3 but doesn't explain any further. Since this will literally be my second day ever playing I'm going to try 3/4. Even though my accordion only has two bass rows, I think it will be useful in the future. Thanks again!
Congrats on starting! Try both methods and see which one works for you, keeping in mind different bass patterns will be coming up, too :)
@@moshezuchter thanks!
Thank you very much for your explanation! I like accordion music for it gives both warmth and cooling effects. It gives the effect of woodwind quintet when melody on right hand piano style keyboard manual and rhythm of bass notes and chords on left hand button type manual simultaneously played. Such effect gives warmth. It gives the effect of mouth-harmonica when right hand piano style keyboard manual only played without accompaniment on left hand button type manual. Such effect gives cooling.
Well said, Noel! I agree with you. Such a versatile instrument!
i am using ring finger all the time . The other method it's make harder to do alternate bass patern as you mentioned
As an advanced player, i use both, depending on piece.
Slower songs i usually defer to 3-2, as i also usually try to use my 4 for extra bass note embellishments or specific chord voicings (e.g a minor 7 voicing)
I also play east european pieces which can get *very* fast and i found doing the classic bass-chord pattern at high speeds much more reliable with 4-3 (2-3).
Anatomy plays an important part here as well, i remember my teacher about 10 years learned the 3-2 due to his fingers being a bit too thick and stubby for a 4-3-2-3 "cluster" :D.
There's another question i have for you. Do you think it is too "controversial" to use my thumb for diminished chords in some circumstances? Recently came across some pieces where that might be called upon haha, just gathering opinions.
I find the 3-2 method (which is what is being presented as “the way” in the book I’m using) to be painful past the minor stretch. I would have to use my thumb for the dim…so I might try out 4-2 and stop fighting it.
Yeah, give it a try!
so, my fingering is a mish-mash :D, for the major chord i use 4-3, for the minor one, 3-2, and for the seventh, 4-2, its comfortable for me and it was shown me like that from my teacher
😄 hey, if it works, it works!!
Started off on 3-2 nearly 50 years ago.. Too hard to change now, but the reach for dim7 is a bit hard.
I believe there is no need for discussion when the correct technique is used.
Of course, to have more agility and resources, we should use the 5 fingers of the left hand numbered as follows:
1 - Thumb.
2 - Index finger.
3 - Middle finger.
4 - Ring finger.
5 - Little finger.
The correct technique: Place each finger in a column of the accordion:
Finger 1: in the diminished chord column. (or seventh chord in accordions with 80 buttons).
Finger 2: since finger 2 has greater openness and firmness than the others, it will play two columns: the seventh chord and the minor chord. (in accordions with 80 buttons it only plays minor chord).
Finger 3: in the major chord column.
Finger 4: in the fundamental bass column.
Finger 5: in the counterbass column.
Just apply the correct technique. What do you think?
Confusing because Liberty Bellows' instructor claims 100% of professionals use 3-2 😅
Not sure who considers themselves a "professional" but use whatever works for you :D
I started learning by myself and settled on 4-2, maybe because my fingers are big and my accordion's bass buttons are very close together.
Awesome. Whatever works best for you!! 🙌
32 doesnt have to be limiting though! Most virtuosos use 32,
I need to use both systems, as a previous motorcycle accident means I need to be creative, and my little finger gets a lot of work! 😁
Great video as always 👍
I basically use 4/3 . there are some songs that I use 3/2. I use that when most of the chords are below the tonic
Do you ever use your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers in the same song? I'm working on a song that involves some larger jumps than I am used to and it's a lot easier using 2-3-4, rather than 1 & 2 jumping up and down.
For context, the pattern I'm playing is: F(root), F(chord),F(chord),F(chord), B(root), B-minor, B-minor, B-minor, B-flat(root), B-flat major(chord),B-flat major(chord),B-flat major(chord), C(root), C(chord),C(chord),C(chord). I am using 4-4-4-4,2-2-2-2, 4-4-4-4, 3-2-2-2.
Yeah! These fingering are for standard majors and minors. I use whatever fingers make sense when needing to traverse bigger jumps or slash chords. Whatever works for you and is repeatable 😊
@@moshezuchter That's great to hear. Thank you for the quick reply. I enjoy your videos and your super clear instructional style.
I have fat fingers. Are there any brands that use wider spaced buttons ?
I think on the left hand the spacing is the same. For the right hand, though, there are "ladies" sized accordions with narrower keys, as well as "standard" sized which are closer to piano keys.
Im new to accordion, but I bought a 120 bass to start. It's fun, but my fingers hurt when I use the ring index middle index method towards the bottom. And tips or suggestions?
It's a :
Eb Eb major Bb Eb major thing
Having all 3 fingers in that small space gets cramped
I would say give your fingers some time to adjust... As in, if you're starting any new activity that requires you to put your joints into new positions, give your body time to rest.
Try opening your hand after a playing session to change the position its just been in, too.
Meaning, your fingers are likely correct. That position is cramped, so give your fingers some time to figure it out.
more practice and all will be fine.
Are you a third finger, or fourth finger kind of player? Did you switch from 3 to 4? What's your experience been like?
I used to play 4-3 until I met my teacher, who taught me 3-2. I prefer it. I can always switch back and forth. I can use my 5th finger when needed. Your demonstration of 3-2 is limited.
I learned 4-3... Every teacher I have tried out are 3-2. The one teacher I really want to learn from (they specialize in Nordeast Minneapolis polkas) is very adamant about 3-2. They say that is how all the old polka greats did it ... so it is frustrating..
I have a question.
But I fear it might be too far from your expertise.
Could you make a video about / help me with diatonic button accordion?
I struggle to find useful information and I struggle to learn it. To me it seems that it has no useful pattern or technique I can learn and the buttons might as well be randomly placed on the accordion.
I know that the rows are have notes of one scale but half needs to be played with push and half with pull so in the end its useless.
Can you help?
Have been using 3/2. After breaking my hand, 4 does not work all that well!
3-2 went out with the dinosaurs back in the 1940,s also 4-3 you can make big cord jumps a lot more easy to play, at times i even use my pinky finger on the the bass notes, any good accordion teacher today will teach you the 4-3,it makes common logic the more fingers you use the better you will play.
I have done the same thing. Foe example going from Bb to A. 5/4 on the Bb 3/2 on A
It's very hard to use base notes because I never learnt it properly
Another UA-camr mentioned Continental style, does that have anything to do with this?
I haven't heard that term before, but it could be? In general people use either their third finger or fourth finger for the "oom" part of the "oom-pa" :)
@@moshezuchter
ua-cam.com/video/eiBLe5Y8HvQ/v-deo.html
Around 8 : 5 4
It might because he is European and so many terms change depending where you are.
@@moshezuchter ok so from my understanding the Continental is the 3-2 method and the English is the 4-3-2 or how the other guy described it anyway.
Also was the droning of the accordion a coincidence or on purpose with the kid being heard in the background. =P
@@tilasole3252 I learned in continental Europe from my teacher who was himself taught in the 1960s. It was 4-3 then, in the books and in the teaching. I never heard of the 3-2 method until recently (long after you wrote this comment...), so I would have associated "continental" with 4-3.
In the book "Scales" by Palmer-Hughes they explain that finger 3 is the North American fingering and finger 4 is the fingering used worldwide, hence "Continental", referring to the other continents.
I NEVER taught the 3 method. You have more than 2 fingers for a reason.
My GF left me and said: "call me when you know how to play the accordion".
🤨 What the h*** was she talking abo...Oh know I get it 😐
Can confirm this is the reason I picked up the accordion. Happily married now 🤠
And...what about the 5th finger? Not at all???
Nope. Not for root, major, or minor chords. More complex chords? Sure. But not for beginners, and not for major/minor/7 chords.
@@moshezuchter Thanks. You know.........I always tend to use the 5th finger for the 3ths (second row)bass to change the first ground bass (first row)row.Aware,normally this 2nd row of the ground row(the row of the 3th chords) is used by the 4th finger.But proves easy for me to grab.Am I the only with that feature( or problem)??
And then to think....as you know .....there're instruments with a row of ground bass, followed by the mentioned second row of 3ths bass PLUS an additional row of ground basses,sounding a half-tone different from the previous row..
So instead of 2 rows ground bass,3 of them.
I once had a Dutch methode book with bass studies,with scales.( Bas oefeningen van Kok accordeonschool.) It once got lost and now in Holland one can not easily get hold of that stuff again.Well....!
@@shandfan so, yes, for scale work the fingering changes. And really, you make it work however you make it work. I have some students with physical disabilities on their fingers that prevents them from using "traditional" fingering. But they make it work, pinky, thumb... Any way you practice and that works for you 😀👌
@@moshezuchter Thanks...well...talking about disabilities on fingers.I was a pianist and got my (so a silly,stupid story) right hand stuck in the spokes of the bycicle.Which resulted in 2 mutilated fingers after treatment.(3 and 5 yes,a puzzle how 4 remained undamaged.
Well,my fondest wish is playing the Shand Morino 3 row button,but with the hand described,we can forget it With piano key's,I have...thanks heaven NO problems."Traditional"fingering,you wrote,..well I prefer traditional Scottish dance music,to which I have been listening since the early 50ies!!!! Hence my affection for the "box".
@@moshezuchter Yes, the 3th finger for major chord,the 2nd for minor and also for the 7.Latter is the easiest.
Luckily I (as self taught)didn't learn things the wrong way.I started with the 3-2 system,but soon changed to 4-3.The 7 chord is a favourite for me.Hence my choice.
With regard to the thumb of the right hand on button keys...I once heard there are more systems for button instruments.For large ones with 5 rows,one can see the player at times using the thumb.But it depends on the used system??
Our Dutch John Woodhouse( Johnny Holzhuizen) uses another button system as used on the British 3 row button?(with thumb fixed)
So many Italian boxes,plus Hohner,but..Saltarelle one of the most expensive ones,I reckon?
WTF. I only have half of My Left index . That means im Screw . Thank you Anyways
It's okay to use alternate fingering.... Possible to do a slow oom-pa with just one finger, just slow it down to start
the more fingers you use the more notes you can play its that simple. that is why 3-2 went out of style back in the 19 40,s....
my teacher always taught us students the 4-3 method the 3-2 seems very odd to me cuz you can not make big bass jumps most good players use 4-3.