Accordion Lesson 1: Understanding the Keys and Buttons of the Accordion

Embarking on the journey to learn the accordion involves diving into a world where keys and buttons are the main storytellers. For beginners, understanding the layout and function of these keys and buttons is the first critical step. This lesson will guide you through this fundamental stage of accordion learning, setting the groundwork for all future progress.

Introduction to the Accordion's Layout

The accordion's unique design combines a set of keys on the right-hand side (for piano accordions) or buttons (for button accordions) with another set of buttons on the left-hand side. The right side is responsible for melody, while the left side handles the bass and chord accompaniment.

Right-Hand Keyboard or Buttons

Piano Accordions: If you are learning on a piano accordion, the right-hand side will resemble a piano keyboard, with white and black keys representing natural notes and sharps/flats, respectively. The layout is identical to that of a piano, making it a familiar starting point for those who have piano experience.
Button Accordions: For button accordions, the right side features rows of buttons. These can be diatonic (different notes when pressing and pulling the bellows), chromatic (same note regardless of the bellows’ direction), or other systems like the Stradella. Understanding your accordion's specific system is crucial.

Left-Hand Buttons

The left-hand side of the accordion comprises rows of buttons that are used to play bass notes and pre-set chords. The standard layout usually includes:

The bass row, closest to the bellows, which contains the fundamental bass notes.
The counter-bass row, next to the bass row, typically playing the major third above the fundamental bass note.
Additional rows for major, minor, seventh, and diminished chords based on the fundamental bass note.

Learning the Notes and Chords

Note Identification: Begin by learning the location and names of individual notes on the right-hand keyboard or buttons. For piano accordions, this will involve familiarizing yourself with the piano layout. For button accordions, start with the first row and understand how the notes are arranged.
Chord Recognition: On the left side, start by identifying the bass and major chord buttons. Usually, the C bass and C major chord buttons are marked differently (often with a depression or a different color) to serve as a reference point.

Basic Exercises

Familiarization Exercise: Spend time pressing individual keys or buttons to familiarize yourself with their feel and the sound they produce. Do this for both the melody and bass sides.
Scale Practice: Begin practicing scales on the right-hand side. Start with the C major scale if you’re using a piano accordion, or the home row if you’re using a button accordion.
Simple Bass Lines: On the left-hand side, practice playing single bass notes and then major chords. Start with C and then progress to G, D, and so on.

Developing Coordination

As you become familiar with the keys and buttons, the next step is to develop coordination between your hands. Start with simple exercises, like playing a melody with the right hand while maintaining a steady bass note or chord with the left hand.

Conclusion

Understanding the keys and buttons of the accordion is an essential foundational skill. This knowledge will be the bedrock upon which all further accordion skills are built. Remember, mastering the accordion is a gradual process. Patience and consistent practice are your best allies in this musical adventure. As you grow more familiar with the keys and buttons, you'll start unlocking the true expressive potential of this fascinating instrument.