The beginner piano path takes you from finding your way around the keys to playing a simple song with both hands. Along the way you learn to name every white key, use a relaxed hand position, build C, F and G major chords and play the C major scale.
Getting started
Piano or keyboard?
Either is fine for beginners. A keyboard with at least 61 keys covers every lesson here. Weighted keys feel closer to a real piano, but they are not required to start.
How to read the keyboard
The black keys come in groups of two and three. The white key just left of any group of two black keys is C — once you can find C, you can find every other note.
Hand position
Keep your fingers gently curved, as if holding a small ball, with your wrists level with the keys. Fingers are numbered 1 (thumb) to 5 (little finger), which is how lessons refer to them.
Your first piano chords
A major triad uses every other white key: C–E–G is C major. Play it with fingers 1, 3 and 5, then move the same shape to F and G.
The beginner piano lessons
- 1Getting to Know the KeyboardDiscover how the keyboard is laid out and why the black keys are your map. 5 min • Beginner
- 2Finding the NotesLearn to name every white key using C as your anchor. 7 min • Beginner
- 3Correct Hand PositionCurved fingers and relaxed wrists let you play longer without tension. 6 min • Beginner
- 4Your First ChordsBuild C, F and G major triads with fingers 1-3-5. 10 min • Beginner
- 5Major ScalesPlay the C major scale with the thumb-under technique. 10 min • Easy
- 6Playing Simple MelodiesPlay 'Ode to Joy' using five notes in one hand position. 10 min • Easy
- 7Play Your First SongCombine left-hand chords with a right-hand melody. 12 min • Easy
A simple 15-minute practice routine
- Find every C on the keyboard (2 minutes).
- Play the C major scale slowly, right hand then left (4 minutes).
- Play C, F and G chords in a loop (4 minutes).
- Practise a melody such as Ode to Joy, hands separately (5 minutes).
Jump to a lesson
- Get to know the piano keyboard →
- Learn the piano notes →
- Learn piano chords →
- Practise piano scales →
- Play a simple piano melody →
Common questions about learning piano
Is piano easy to learn?
Piano is a friendly starting point because every note is laid out in front of you. Beginners can start with note names, hand position, simple chords and short melodies. Playing with both hands at once takes more practice.
Can I learn piano on a keyboard?
Yes. The notes and layout are the same, so a digital keyboard is a practical and affordable way to learn the basics.
Where is middle C?
Middle C is the C closest to the centre of the keyboard, usually near the brand name on a piano. It's a useful anchor for your right thumb in beginner pieces.
Do I need to read sheet music?
Not to begin. These lessons use note names first. Reading music is a valuable skill to add once you're comfortable finding notes on the keys.
How do I play with both hands?
Learn each hand separately until it feels easy, then put them together very slowly. Speed comes later — coordination grows with patient repetition.