Learn accordion bass buttons!

The accordion bass button layout and theory are explained in this fast-paced 7-minute instructional video by the creator of accordion flashcards which are no longer available for sale.

[@daisyduke7473]

I am 76 yrs old and You have no idea how your cards have helped me!! I use them every day!! I bought them appx. 2 yrs ago. I have mentioned many times on the internet.....FB and UTUBE on Dale Mathis channel. They are really great and sooo helpful. I ordered mine b4 I even got my accordion!! Thank you!!

[@billfunkhouser8435]

Daisy, you've made my day with your kind words. I'm so glad you find the cards helpful and I'm even happier than you have found joy in playing this instrument.

[@daisyduke7473]

I purchased a set of flash cards!! They gave me a gold mine of knowledge that I greatly appreciate!! I STILL use them even after 2 years!! You WONT be sorry for purchasing those cards. Best investment ever and sooooo inexpensive!!!

[@daisyduke7473]

The next best investment was my ROLAND digital accordion!!

[@billfunkhouser8435]

Thank you, Daisy! You made my day with your kind words. I'm so glad the flashcards are helpful to you.

[@ruthiefry8457]

Thank you for your help I am 71 years old handdecided to start playing the accordion again after years but forgot about some of the basics for the Base side. Thank you

[@billfunkhouser8435]

Good for you, Ruthie! We can all learn things no matter what age we are!

[@jenniferfuller49]

Excellent. Well explained... has removed the mysteries of the buttons.... thank you

[@mikolajochocki5047]

Thank you for this video, this was the only video which explained this properly to me. I appreciate you!

[@billfunkhouser8435]

Thank you! I'm glad this helped.

[@IIIAFireInsideIII]

I only want to tell everyone that it is a pleasure to watch that clear, simple and nice films about playing on accordion ...my compliments cause I have had to looking for this a lot.

[@daisyduke7473]

I bought your flash cards a couple years ago. I love them!!!

[@kingshahzad78]

The Best Explanation Sir❤

[@PaperSun98]

This helped me so, so much!! I recently got my first accordion for my 15th birthday... I can't wait to start playing, but I was really confused about the bass until I sae your video!! Thank you, again!

[@EnryMusica]

Very good video, I'm a piano player myself but I've been always curious about how the accordion bass works, is simpler than I thought musically speaking but not simple to make it sound properly, a wonderful instrument, thanks for the post.

[@mehmetaydemir9940]

Sir, I've been watching from Turkey, no videos related to Turkish accordion training, I play an instrument, I took the accordion, my ear is very good, the left can not chords using my hand, you've worked hard, you really thank the thousands. Greetings from Turkey. Best regards

[@autumnbrookesings]

I've been in choir for 5 years and I've dabbled in piano (just playing chords and such), but it is my dream to play the accordion. I understand how the keyboard side works, but this video was SO helpful. As a musician, I find it much easier to understand when you explain the theory behind it and not just say "k trust me this is a C chord and below it is this" without explaining why.

[@billfunkhouser8435]

I'm glad this helped.

[@daisyduke7473]

Not understanding your question of WHY in reference to the basses!!?? They are what they are And their locations never change! I guess I’m not understanding your problem at all. Most of it’s just a matter of memorizing where they are if that’s what your problem is. I bought flashcards and that’s what helped me get through my issues.

[@daisyduke7473]

Plus counting the notes between the bases...ie count up five from c to g and count downward 4 from c to f etc ..... lots of books out there to help.

[@Clownler]

Very well done, had a basic understanding from self teaching. This has really cleared some things up for me.

[@vavarolay]

Bill, you're a gem, I could never work out how this thing works. Thanks a lot.

[@hamidparsaei1367]

Thank you for the instruction. It has been very helpful.

[@doraemonthor6975]

one of the best videos i found about bass buttons! thanks you so much, helped a loooooot

[@funkhouserb]

Wow, thanks. I am a teacher, so I do try to be clear and easy to understand but always celebrate when I actually am.

[@daisyduke7473]

I love ❤️ your flash cards!! Bought them abt 1 1/2 years ago!! I use them a lot in fact I’m gonna order another set!!!

[@billfunkhouser8435]

Thanks! I'm glad you find them helpful!

[@Jessimus]

Thanks for posting! This has been the most clear and technical explanation of the rows I have seen so far, and I've been watching videos for 3 hours now :) Much appreciated!

[@rbcampbell]

Excellent--lots of info in a short clear package. I wasn't sure how the notation worked for bass--now I am. Actually, lots of good theory too.

[@Pteron2]

Excellent tutorial. Very charmingly made too.

[@marianne255]

Such a helpful video, thank you so much!

[@AnastasiaChumakova]

Awesome explanation and memory techniques. Thank you so much for this video!

[@billfunkhouser8435]

You're welcome!

[@RicaBert1995]

Thanks alot, I couldn't have found a better video. I really want to start playing accordion but these expertvillage videos just don't know how to explain clearly. Thanks again!

[@jamadir]

Extremely Helpful! Its sometimes hard to find a proper explanation, i wish it was recommended to me earlier.

[@KagusakiUrufu]

I've seen the chart online before. The thing is, the A, E, A and F, C, E, notes are on the piano music sheets that I have and they're being played simultaneously. It's the same with the F keys. I just read your other post about the bass part and that was the answer I needed. Thanks for your help :)

[@sadiedangel]

if youre not familiar with chords and all those crazy buttons, these things look terrifying. a huge thank you for this video!!!!

[@muskabulldog]

This video helped me so much. Now I know scales and how to make cords on the treble keys.

[@Rickeeey1]

Very useful for me to better understand how the accordion works. Didn't know about the special notation system for accordion bass buttons for instance. I play piano but recently started composing and I've also been working on expanding my knowledge about different instruments.

[@yannhk]

appreciated this teaching video very much. you are a very good teacher

[@martincerny2004]

Great job sir! I found most lessons on youtube like "place your second finger over there" but I actually just swich from playing piano and I first thought I will be really hard to utilize playing on the buttons, but since you explained it based on the musical theory behind it, it all makes sence. Thank you very much!

[@c_farther5208]

Excellent presentation; well thought-out. Bill explained this so well by simplifying and comparing with the piano; it all made sense. I have been struggling for a month. Seriously, I really learned a great deal from Bill's video. Thank You, Bill. (Cannot find his flashcards to buy though.)

[@funkhouserb]

Glad to hear that! Thank you for sharing your success with us.

[@lucygabriel]

needed it and got it. thanks for your time to explain it. loved it.

[@billaccord717]

Thank you for mapping it out for us.

[@noelaruldas1152]

Thank you for clear explanation! I am interested in playing accordion but the joints in my neck had fused because of ankylosing spondylitis so that the doctors (both orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist) had advised me not to load accordion on my neck. Please pray for me that the joints of my neck must actively function and the doctors must see the miracle. God will answer our prayers by doing the miracle (flexibility of my fused joints).

[@ckn1000]

Oh, I see. That whole counter bass thing confuses me - but I'll probably go ahead and get that 40 bass because it looks like too much fun. Thank-you so much for your reply, it really helped.

[@mehemmedmemmedli2451]

HELLO MR BILL. THANK YOU VERY MUSCH FOR THESE VIDEOS. I CANT PLAY LEFT HAND ON ACCORDION WHEN I BOUGHT FIRDT ACCORDION . BUT NOW I CAN. THANKS

[@hazellangley2365]

Thanks so much this is wonderful, i was waiting to get this base board keys . Thanks

[@iamhe999]

The video is very helpful to those seeking mastery of the Italian Stradella Bass mechanism and system. You are learning to play on the circle of fifths. Anything you learn to play there can be played in any key, just start in a different place. Most all folk music, rock, blues, cajun, zydeco, country, bluegrass, norteno, swamp's, chord structure is centered around the first, fourth and fifth note of the scale. You can teach your fingers to dance on those buttons. Do it, it is worth the effort.

[@karenlavigne1108]

We’ll explained, Thank you for making your video’s

[@funkhouserb]

My pleasure. I tried to explain as much theory as I thought was appropriate in the video.

[@daisyduke7473]

Love your cards. Need to order another set.

[@Adrolesien]

Great video. Thanks

[@kennylbudd]

excellent video. Thorough explanations well done.

[@HectorAwol]

You are doing a good thing! Thanks for sharing!

[@funkhouserb]

One more thing: You mentioned using piano sheet music for the accordion. This can be used but I don't' recommend it for a beginner. While the treble half of the music can be used unaltered, the bass side has to be reinterpreted. Purchase or download some accordion music, learn how the bass chords and tones are notated and come back to piano sheet music after you understand standard accordion bass notation. I hope this is helpful.

[@CPez]

If they don't even know their major scales, they arn't going to understand the bass. When they learn the basics of the circle of 5ths and 4ths (basics of all music really) THEN they can look at the bass....but overall a very nice and useful video for the learners of this incredible instrument.

[@funkhouserb]

@ckn1000 Don't let the counter basses confuse you! They are just a third above the fundamental bass note. So, the counters to Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, A and E would be G, D, A, E, B, F# and C#. Think of a C major chord: 1=C, 3=E and 5=G. The accordion is so awesome: If you put your finger on C, 1 button farther away from C is E, and is moving up from C you have G! (Moving down you have F which is the "4" in the 1-4-5 progression.) Amazing arrangement! Make sure you get yourself a teacher!

[@dilipkumardas8207]

VERY GOOD PRESENTATION. FOR REMEMBERING THE NOTES ON THE LINE WE SAY FOR TREBLE CLEF E G B D F EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR AND SPACE NOTES F A C E OUR FACE BASS CLEF LINE NOTES G B D F A GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR ALWAYS AND SPACE NOTES A C E G ALL COWS EAT GRASS. THIS IS THE BASIC RULE FOR REMEMBERING THE STAFF NOTES. THANK YOU. DILIP KUMAR DAS FROM KOLKATA INDIA. PIANO ACCORDION IS VERY VERY VERY POPULAR IN INDIA.

[@funkhouserb]

@sinancans If I understand your questions, 1) The counterbass row IS used quite a bit, but probably not as much as the fundamental bass row. 2) The usual fingers used are the index (#2) and middle (#3) fingers. Occasionally, the ring (#4) finger is used and the pinky (#5) is almost never used by most players. I hope this is helpful.

[@KagusakiUrufu]

Great vid! It answered a lot of questions I had about the bass side but I have a few more questions. One of the things I'm having problems with is playing piano sheet music on the accordion, like trying to play the keys A E A, or F C E, or two F keys at the same time on the bass side. I searched online for months and couldn't figure out what or how to search for this problem. If you know any thing about it, it would help me greatly. Thanks :)

[@hrhliblib]

Yep, very useful & practical. Thanks.

[@mareesa]

Yay! you're awesome! Thanks for sharing and being so clear and easy to understand! :)

[@LeahOxendine]

Very helpful... good explanations and tuturial.

[@funkhouserb]

@sinancans The marked accordion bass buttons are known as navigation points. Many accordions have marks on Fb, Ab, C, E, and G#. I consider myself an intermediate player and only use the marks on Ab, C and E. When locating a bass note like F or G, I use the mark on C to locate those notes. The D fundamental bass is half way between the C and E navigation points, etc. I can't tell you what finger to use as it changes with each song and situation. I hope this helps.

[@funkhouserb]

@sinancans Thanks for writing. How many total buttons does your accordion have? You probably don't have the bottom (diminished) row if you have 5 rows. Look carefully near the center of the entire button set. The mark for C can be a concave button, an X, a jewel, or a dot. It might have been a rhinestone that came off? If you can figure out which button sounds like a C, you can reattach a jewel or rhinestone there. I hope this is helpful.

[@funkhouserb]

@sinancans You can identify all counter-bass notes in sheet music written for the accordion because the note will have a short line drawn below it. All fundamental bass notes will have the stem going up (and no short line) while chords have the stem going down and a letter written above the note. I hope this is helpful.

[@markmwandu6358]

Thanks for all this is fantastic to me

[@lukenukem1976]

interesting what you said about 70 vs 120 bass. saved me some money I think!

[@henriettahope2209]

awesome thank you

[@RebeccaDanWalsh]

This was very helpful

[@funkhouserb]

@Halileet Your 60 bass will have the Major 3rd, R, RM, Rm and R7 but not the diminished. Diminished is rarely used, so not a huge loss. You will also have all 12 notes in the left hand scale but none will be repeated so a bass line that includes F# (top of accordion) to Db (bottom of accordion) will be a long jump.

[@JuJuBee80]

this is very good- you present the information very well- thank you! only thing is you should have someone help you film it- otherwise its great! : ) thanks again! : )

[@PointofConnection]

Many thanks for you video, I didn't know that 7th chords and diminished chords were only 3 notes and not 4 notes. Can you make a video as to where each of these correspond on the piano?

[@funkhouserb]

Thanks, I'm a teacher by trade, but not a music teacher. I appreciate all the comments! -Bill

[@funkhouserb]

@ckn1000 It depends on the accordion and how it was configured. My knowledge of 40 bass accordions tells me you will have Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, A and E as the fundamental basses, counter basses, major, minor, and 7ths. So all the chords you mentioned would be covered.

[@Vaiseoquan]

Great teacher!

[@AccordionandViolinlife]

phenomenal!

[@ckn1000]

So, if I bought myself a 40 bass accordion would I be able to play "I shot the Sheriff" (for instance)? If I played in the key of G and the chords were Gm,Cm,Bflat m, Am, Dm - I'm not going to have all those intervals in the bass, am I?

[@hardcorechicano]

thankyou so much, you have been a great help....

[@funkhouserb]

@ckn1000 Congratulations! I play a Weltmeister Cassotto myself although mine is 96 bass. I used to play 120 bass, but like the decreased weight of the 96 bass. Keep playing! Good luck.

[@trueblues95]

Great video, thank you very much!

[@funkhouserb]

@ckn1000 I'm sorry. As I was replying I was afraid I was being confusing. I too came from the piano. Here is one way to think of it: On the piano YOU have to create all the chords and intervals even though over 90% of them remain constant from song to song. How many times does a song go from C to F to G7 back to C, for example? The stradella layout recognizes how over 90% (perhaps close to 100%) of Western music is written and organizes the buttons in the most efficient manner possible.

[@Thekadimaband]

very helpful! thanks!

[@kunertcarol]

Very clear instruction. thankyou.

[@fcofelixx]

maestro!

[@kennethbragiel707]

I learned to play accordion 60 years ago and playing the right hand isn't any problem for me but relearning the left hand has been a quite difficult. Your flash cards have helped but part of the problem is that I recall the left hand notated in the treble clef , not the base clef. Has the notation changed or is my memory playing tricks on me?

[@billfunkhouser8435]

Kenneth, I did some research to try to find if the bass buttons were ever notated in the treble clef and I could not find examples of that. I did come across this image from 1938 that clearly shows the bass clef being used. Thanks for writing! -Bill www.zisman.ca/squeezebox/About%20Accordion%20Bass%20Notation.pdf

[@funkhouserb]

The notes you mentioned, A, E and then F, C, E are all next to each other on the stradella bass system. Have you looked for a "stradella bass chart" online? I assume you are intending to play these notes sequentially and not simultaneously? (E and F played together is not pleasant) There is absolutely no reason I can think of to want to play 2 F keys at the same time on the stradella bass system as both keys will activate the same F reed. I hope I am answering your question.

[@funkhouserb]

@sillychad18 I'm glad the video was helpful. Unfortunately, good accordions are never cheap as they have upwards of 4000 moving parts which must be hand assembled very carefully. Some people swear by the Chinese "Golden Cup" type accordions, but my experience with them was not good. It sounded OK but felt very sloppy. Consider looking for 2nd hand accordions instead of new. Do not purchase an 2nd hand accordion without playing it. Too much can be wrong with it. Good luck! -Bill

[@junemarshall6680]

Hi Bill, I found flash cards of yours on Amazon but they are currently available. I'd love to buy a set, but how can I? I am in Northern Ireland. I'd like to buy a set, they are brilliant!

[@saedt]

perfect lesson, just perfect!

[@elsiehill1967]

I want to buy either a 60 or 48 bass vintage Weltmeister, but don't understand how the bass buttons work. I understand the basic as you have explained in the video. I am used accordions having 8 buttons in a vertical row, but these have 12 buttons in the vertical rows, the 48 having 4 verticql rows and the 60 having 5 vertical rows. Can you give me some advice here? Thank you very much.

[@elsiehill1967]

Thank you very much!

[@ckn1000]

Not really that confusing - I'm just dense. I just bought (used) a 48 bass and am already shopping for another. I'm looking at a Weltmeister Stella on Ebay which is a much smaller and lighter deal - also looks like I get a 7th chord on the button side. The 48 bass only does maj. and min. which is really okay for me with my beginner style.

[@cbjrmurilocbjr]

Thanks. Helped a lot!!

[@FarmallDoctor]

Thanks so much! At least now I have somewhere to start!

[@Noelle_Music]

Thank you very much!

[@funkhouserb]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for sharing.

[@andrewandrew9611]

Awesome!

[@PaljoSrceMoje]

Very hephul, thanks

[@IIIAFireInsideIII]

great film and teacher... more films :D

[@92nredrappini84]

Is the C major (GBD) on piano the same as on accordion if it is what would it look like on a stave.

[@billfunkhouser8435]

C major is a chord comprised of the notes C, E, and G. Those are the notes played when the C major button is pressed on an accordion.

[@fatribz]

nice!!@! thank you

[@TheBlondiesNr1]

I have an old accordion from the 50's and.. I think it's chromatic but maybe not? Also, everything is kind of upside down and there is DEFINETLY no mark on the C. Me is confused.

[@rictrexell2118]

The problem I'm having is finding the C and the G that I' using in my first book of the PH book series. I must not only turn my hand in the weirdest position to play these notes, but after playing a G Major for example, I lose my place. This is hard on the bass keys because you can't see where the 'C' key is. You do it by feel and pretty soon all the keys feel like they have a gem in them. I see people on KZbin playing the songs I'm trying to learn and more advanced ones, and they just go from this key to that key without looking. I suppose it is somewhat like typing, I don't look where all the keys are but just think what I want to say and the fingers find the proper key. However I have been trying for 40+ years and still make major errors and some times have to look at the keys.

[@funkhouserb]

There are many accordion types. This video refers to the most common, Stradella system. There are also "free bass" accordions with no chords at all and diatonic accordions in which the note pulling out the bellows is different from that pushing in. The marked button is sometimes a glued on rhinestone which can fall off too.

[@daisyduke7473]

That’s what I love about a Roland digital...touch a button and instant free bass or loads of other sounds on either side.

[@xavianlusious5766]

Helpful. Thanks.

[@ferraz94]

very helpful to me thankyou, pleacedont stop.

[@greatresources5828]

if you are still available, event if it was like... now few years ago, I would like to buy these flash cards, but I cannot find them at amazon

[@funkhouserb]

Thank you! amzn.to/2kSfYvt and on my website.

[@greatresources5828]

Many Cheers mate

[@greatresources5828]

I can't buy it, it says that it's not any more available. have you got any more, please?

[@tilasole3252]

Are the flashcards so thin that you can see the answer?

[@armaggedonOUTAhere]

No augmented chords in the left hand?