Five-Finger Positions and Chords

The Major keys can be thought of as four groups of similar finger positions based on the tonic triad. If the student learns the pattern of black and white keys for each group they will be a step ahead. The student can create a picture in his mind of the groups and learn the chords by the shape of the white and black key patterns. Then he can practice finding them on the piano with his eyes closed.

Group 1 - These keys have all the white keys in their tonic chords:

C Major
G Major
F Major

Group 2 - These keys have a black key under the middle finger and white keys on either side:

D Major
A Major
E Major

Group 3 - These keys have a white key under the middle finger and black keys on either side:

Db Major
Ab Major
Eb Major

Group 4 - All of these fingerings must be learned individually.

Gb Major
Bb Major
B Major

For more information about Bernardsville area piano lessons, contact Barbara Ehrlich Piano Studio.