โ Piano ยท Hands ยท about 25 min
Songs in C position
Three real tunes you can play with just five fingers on C D E F G.
Your hand position
Put your right thumb (1) on middle C. Your fingers rest on C D E F G. Every song here stays in these five notes, so your hand never has to move.
Press play to hear each song, then play along. All songs are in 4/4: four beats in every measure. Start at 60 to 72 beats per minute.
Ode to Joy
Beethoven's tune. Fingers 3, 3, 4, 5, then back down: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2. The dotted note lasts one and a half beats.
Press play to hear it, or turn the tempo down and play along.
Slide the staff sideways on a small screen. This tune is in the public domain.
Au clair de la lune
A gentle French folk song. Play it softly and smoothly. Hold the half notes for two full beats.
Press play to hear it, or turn the tempo down and play along.
A traditional French tune in the public domain.
Hot Cross Buns
The middle part has eight quick notes, each half a beat. Count โ1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &โ and keep it even.
Press play to hear it, or turn the tempo down and play along.
A traditional tune in the public domain.
How to practice a song
Say the notes
Say the note names out loud in rhythm before you play.
One measure at a time
Play measure 1 four times, then measure 2, then both together.
Slow beats fast
Use the tempo slider on the player. Go slower, not faster, when you make a mistake.
Play it for someone
A friend or family member is the best audience.