How to Play Piano Accordion - Introduction for First Time Accordionist, Components, Basics

[@kaidenmarthaler6017]

Here because my grandpa passed away in 2017 when I was only 10 years old. He was a natural at accordion having played it his entire life since just 9 years old. I recently inherited his very nice accordion from my grandma and I would love to learn and carry on my grandpa's amazing skill. Thank you all for taking the time to read this, it means a lot to me😊

[@accordionjustice9166]

I wish you the best of luck! 😀

[@cayankeelord3730]

Same here, except I inherited my dad's piano accordion when he passed in 2014. He used to play in a polka band.

[@whizerd8376]

You should document your journey into learning it! Pictures, videos, they're so important! You can also look back at it and improve, as well as keep records of your memories learning it.

[@Your_Wingman]

I wish you luck man!

[@franciscocruz6289]

Hope you’re still trying and it’s going good

[@i3piggies123]

I'm going through an accordion phase currently... this feels so good.

[@FathersOfDeception]

Did the phase end?

[@dryrite7702]

@@FathersOfDeception Well if it makes you feel any better I've been on mine on and off since 2017 (thx Kass from botw for that) and now I'm getting an 120 bass 41 treble key accordion for $340 on craigslist very soon, so very exciting to final start this journey!

[@harrywilliams1146]

living off of borrowed time, the clock ticks faster

[@KandiKlover]

@@dryrite7702crap I just saw a 1960s Italian accordion in mint condition and a velvet case for just 90$ at the thrift store. I almost can’t not do it now Hnnng trying to talk myself out of it but it's hard.

[@Porschesvideos]

Hey thanks for this! My father contacted me recently to tell me he is GIVING me his accordion that he's had, and played, since he was 12 years old! He is 78 now...and I have LOVED that thing forever! I'm so excited! It's in mint condition! So here I am..at age 51...trying to learn how to play it before it arrives! Thank you and I will keep watching. :)

[@MrCash-lm1xz]

Porsche LK -Horses -Comedy -Vloging & More how does one play it and keep it in mint condition?

[@Chris-i0i0i0]

Its old and worn out, he just painted it mint green.

[@thelionneverroars1570]

@@MrCash-lm1xz taking care of an instrument. I know people that have violence from the early 1800's they're in great condition even though they're old and used, but they've been well taken care of.

[@Bass.Player]

@@MrCash-lm1xz Mint is relative to the age. My main instrument is 10 years old but is flawless, they are thousands of dollars and have hard cases. I take very good care of them, they bring a lot of money when/if I sell one.

[@abalonewaters9759]

GOODLUCK!! :D I hope it's going well!!!

[@kaelisprime9087]

I’m just really confused and intimidated by the Bass Buttons

[@karstais]

You just have to figure out where C is based on the fact it has indent. The rest you can with ~60% relyability guess. That's how i do it

[@trevorsasso]

Don't worry there not that bad they can be easily remembered because its aligned with the circle of fifths and only the first 2 rows play individual notes the rest play chords

[@MrEmiosk]

I am a free hand musician(read armature with no formal music education that learns by pressing buttons until a string of it sounds good and go from there). Practice. Get familiar with the instrument then the music will come to you. I realized the magic of composing my own songs after I got the opportunity to play on an organ and man is it awesome to go from pressing single keys to stringing along chords you found by ear. (when you got three keyboards including a bunch of pull switches and foot pedals in front of you, and full freedom to play with them its cool)

[@scrug3708]

That’s the exact reason I looked for a video explaining it. Keyboard? Easy win, it’s familiar. But bUtTonS? Spooky.

[@jessihawkins9116]

I’m intimidated too. what if I press the wrong one 😔

[@theharvardyard2356]

Not much interest in ever playing one but was always interested in watching how others do it. Thanks for the great explanation!

[@wullxz]

same. I should work right now. But for some reason, I just thought: "Hey, how do accordions work?" Thanks, Internet! :)

[@raye64]

Aw come on you know you really want to play, why fight it!!

[@theharvardyard2356]

@@raye64 If they weren't so expensive I'd totally consider it!

[@raye64]

@@theharvardyard2356 there are some real deals available in the used market, but there are also some real lemons out there. Having someone who knows how to tell the difference is definately the key.

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

The drummer said, "this was in my attic should I throw it away, I think it's broken anyway, does anyone want it?" I said "Aww - I'll take it then". The bass player said "Hey let me look inside and see if I can fix it". I did not object. Now it's in my living room and I am trying to figure out the heads and tails of the thing so thank you for this upload ...

[@tragic6162]

I dont have an accordion nor do have plans on buying one, but imagin how badass would it be for me to just play an accordion with no respectable knowledge so perfectly.

[@squidle7812]

My grandpa just gave me his spare accordion, she’s a little beat up but she’s beautiful. I hope I’ll be able to play the accordion well soon

[@charloo5878]

Just got an accordion for Christmas and even though I’ve been playing piano for 10 years, I realized this is a whole different beast! Thanks for the help!

[@adriandelgado8709]

This is probably the best video of accordion explanation I’ve ever seen.... thanks to your videos I’ve improved a lot on my accordion skills

[@listeningbird]

Wow how can one not fall in love with this beautiful thing? It’s like a living breathing creature

[@sontivee8946]

I just got an old accordion with 72 base buttons. I spent $400 to have it fixed & tuned. It sounds great now. I don’t know how to play it. I checked all the videos on KZbin and your video is the best instructional videos I’ve seen. Hope I could learn how to play it. You must have good instructional books too.

[@phyllisjshilling]

Inherited my mom's accordion ❤

[@38scsharma]

Sir- Great explanation. Accordion is an obsessive hobby for me. For some reason t couldn't play accordion for almost an year and when I did I was getting stuck when the bellows got too closed and then there was a little pause. Thanks for making me 'aware' that if the bellows are too close while playing, a slight 'pause' may occur and hence that can be avoided as advised by you. Great advice. Thanks and Regards. You are a fine Instructor.

[@BookOfFaustus]

I will never forget the accordionist who serenaded me on the metro in Rome with some fabulous Czarda which was timed perfectly for the next stop, after which he quickly disappeared.

[@AnthonyMolyneux]

Thanks Tony. A very clear lesson indeed. I have played piano and other instruments for many years and am now considering the accordion. From 88 year old Tony in England

[@robertyboberty7495]

Such a beautiful instrument.

[@jallahkennedy8298]

I have just decided to learn accordion. Glad to have gotten my first lesson from your video. Eager to learn more. Thank you.

[@basssix1]

This was so helpful!!! Thank you ! I’ve seen my mom and grandpa play all my life but needed a walk through of all the basic functions!

[@ss.fx3626]

😂Who else is mexican and just loves the sound of accordions

[@DanielWoolfolk]

👈

[@thedominguez100]

Yo

[@abelmedina9441]

Me

[@basicallyb3904]

Imma learn how to play one so I can bring it to the cookouts😭

[@Ashit3100]

Hi, I play the harmonium. I have always been fascinated by Accordion - its sound, playing style and complexity. I am glad that you have explained the basics in a very easy to understand way. Thank you 😊

[@Acelevi999]

I want to play the harmonium. Also, where should I start?

[@Ashit3100]

@@Acelevi999 First, buy a harmonium.

[@mendyviola]

My father just passed away and I’m inheriting his accordion. I held it once or twice as a kid, but it was just too big for me. I’ve played viola for decades, and can also play violin and cello to a lesser degree. I’ve recently also taking lessons on piano now as an adult. I guess now I’m adding accordion to my musical instrument repertoire. 😂. Thank you for this intro.

[@La.Islena]

My husband just got me an accordion for my birthday I’ve wanted one since I was 15. I cannot wait to learn to play

[@jimmyfigueras4476]

awesome teacher. I took a couple of accordion lessons as a child but didn't understand anything, lol. Now, i'm appreciating how beautiful it looks and sounds.

[@elihudogisso2424]

Jimmy Figueras hjh b ds FYI lb cx funoknfgj NV cn OK c z hmm MN Elsa I'm yum ump

[@snazztacular]

@@elihudogisso2424 you raise some interesting points

[@stepno]

This is wonderful! I barely survived 2 years of accordion lessons in junior high school without ever understanding what the switches were doing with reed combinations or understanding right hand chord structures on the piano keyboard... which you cover very nicely in your introductory lessons. I probably should have stuck with the old borrowed 48 (or 52?) bass instead of moving to the 120 bass as early as I did. I think it outweighed me. (I also think the "teacher" was mostly an accordion salesman, extracting as much money as possible from my parents. As well as getting me started on a bad habit of cracking my knuckles.) Your gradual lessons on the smaller instruments are almost inspiring me to go back to the beginning! But those two frustrating years with the big accordion did teach me to read music... enough to give up the instrument entirely and switch to ukulele in high school, followed by guitar, banjo, mandolin... And now at 71 I am starting to learn the fiddle! Here's hoping that your excellent accordion lessons inspire people to a lifetime of playing and appreciating music of all kinds!

[@匚尺卄]

i dont own a Accordion but as my Music Producer side comes out more when i have buzz going i listen to music more and listen to the sound more, so i ended up here, cause i have DEEP love for the sound of Accordion that not many people know. really all of one person knows. but as i tend to do i look up how to play something i do not have, cause who know i may learn something musicly.

[@Funjaunts]

I've just inherited an old accordion. It looks beautiful but I haven't a clue how to play so here I am researching. Great video. thx

[@reemlari9615]

Great explanation!! What an underrated instrument.

[@rpiket]

Great explanation of the mechanics of the instrument for those of us who already have an understanding of music theory and the keyboard. As a pianist, I needed this lesson exactly. Thank you!

[@dmverderosa]

Thank you for making this so informative and not at all overwhelming! I saw a zydeco band in New Orleans this summer and immediately started dreaming of learning how to play the accordion. I’ve been wondering if it’s do-able, and you’ve inspired me to give it a try!

[@albertzayha8884]

FIRST THINGS FIRST -- How do you lift the accordion and put it on?

[@chrissysmith9450]

My grandma is giving me her old accoridan so, this helps a lot, thanks!

[@TomRiddleMeThisSpock]

Thank you so much for this video. I've wanted to learn accordion since a little kid. I love drone music. I'm finally getting one at 24 and I am thrilled! Now I'm hunting for as much info as possible! Shout out to Philly too, that's where I'm from and just returned to 😄

[@bugy5665]

Good luck :) I prefer playing in F key untill you are comfident enough to play in other keys

[@TomRiddleMeThisSpock]

TheGreatNik thanks very much! I'll keep that tip in mind

[@thorn324]

Thanks for this clear, articulate, and interesting intro to the basics. I especially appreciate the hint about the desirability of staying away from completely-closed bellows position-very helpful!

[@sheanong9846]

Now I can play Kass’ theme from Zelda BotW

[@johnnyoron5672]

nice

[@HOGSOOEY]

Thanks to Kass, the accordion has grown popularity. A hero

[@MUSTAFK]

Honestly only reason im watching this. Kass a real one

[@bcole9796]

This is the greatest teacher I ever had 🙏

[@davidfarquhar3917]

Great video, along with all the rest of the tutorials its wonderful that you have taken the time to record all of these. Just having a bit of fun as a pianist with an old 12 bass accordion we have at home and these videos have helped me get started

[@kenmcd2014]

I'm amazed at how anyone can play these things. How the hell do you know where you are with all those bass buttons? Great explanation of the instrument.

[@wendhyrodriguez1472]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Oh, I have been looking for this for years!! :) thank you, it means a lot!

[@300Ricci]

I was listening to Ramón Ayala and I was like dang then learn how to play. Glad I found this video.

[@dineshdatania8002]

Very very useful and helpful for the beginner of the accordion player.

[@PecosHank]

Thanks! Perfect.

[@LemonOfLethargy]

I don't even have an accordion why am I here

[@mofaka92noel89]

😂❤

[@mtraver5070]

At least you're gonna know how to play the accordion

[@kostythebest]

😂😂

[@kailiesc9881]

Literally me lmaooo

[@MaximMatiichuk]

Dude the same

[@Kids_Scissors]

I wanna play one of these instruments some day :D I love anything with a keyboard (especially if you can play it while carrying it) So the accordion fits the bill

[@teknerds]

this a weird instrument but oddly satisfying to watch I'm sure more so to play... great introduction and explanation of how this strange toy works

[@miroirs-jumeaux]

As opposed to the strange toys an IT specialist plays with? Grandad says get off my lawn, you whippersnappers

[@lizbethayala8800]

I really learned a lot in this video I’ve owned an accordion for about 3 years now and I just picked it up with no clue how to play or hold and what everything is…

[@Roniboy994]

Question.: The bass buttons(?) can you play them wrong? Or are they not that "important" for the Keyboard part? I always wondered how connected they are for the playing, and if everyone of them are in different tunes, like the keyboard part(?)?

[@wendhyrodriguez1472]

Okay, I'm very excited to have found this video, and when I looked up your website, the store looks like paradise to me. Thank you so much!!

[@Andym8910]

Fantastic! Now I know what these switches are for. Cheers!

[@bazlur-Vancouver]

bought a brand new accordion in the mid-80s learn it from another student in St.Petersburg, USSR. I could go the school but did not have time because I was a student. Due to studying and running after girls didn't have much time, so I had to sell the accordion and left Russia. If I bought it from ist year, maybe learned to play a little bit. In the same way, I just started to learning Harmonium(like an accordion). Learn a little bit of Sargam, but after 3 months got admission to college in the capital city and had no time to practice there, but learned a little bit about the bamboo flute or a flute made of plastic(Hohner) myself from 5-6 years old. I wanted too much to learn Accordion. at that time soviet people were one of the best, sometimes best players in the world.

[@CongressAdmin]

This is such a great resource for us true newbies. Thank you!

[@joshtheredpen9823]

I don't play the accordion but I love learning about i! Thank you!

[@John--nj4lp]

I have no intention of playing the accordion but I was interested just to see how this instrument works and how it is played, v interesting .

[@ChrisDeJuanMusic]

This is awesome... thanks so much! Will def be watching all the series! :) I'm a guitarist but just got given an 80 bass Galotta accordion by a man who I met at one of my gigs... was so kind of him... such a lovely gift!!

[@Cnj310]

Very informative vdo. Thank you sir...But i don't understand what are the buttons on bellow.What is use of that?

[@yazbethtorreblancahernande5678]

Really thanks my Father inherited me an accordion that's all what I have from him but has never managed to learn to play, searching for tutorials bumped into your class and you make it look easier ! Will have a go, but I have a question, I heard that here are different ways of tuning it, is it true? Thanks!!!

[@Dezaos]

So, should you learn piano before accordion then or?

[@bryannakirby8795]

thank you

[@Dancingwolf325]

can I hold it with the kays on the left and buttons on the right?

[@Syncopiia]

Very well made introduction! Thanks!

[@lemonke7858]

I am learning accordion after my brother so this will be very helpful

[@crimsonjebakumar]

Lovely introduction. Thanks a lot dear Brother.

[@lucynamikaze6807]

Thanks for teaching.

[@natanaetrouves6548]

Excellent. Thanks a bunch. I really love playing piano. :D

[@abreathofairABOA]

Accordions are so cool!

[@jacekwojt1]

How do you find episode 2?

[@rufuscliffvictor1958]

Nice sir. Good explanations.

[@IndigoJo]

Are the bassoon, clarinet etc settings meant to actually resemble the sounds of those instruments or is it just to do with the octave range? Like, was it meant as some way for people who could play a piano to transfer their skills to a wind instrument?

[@miroirs-jumeaux]

They're just hypothetically evocative of the instruments named, not literally thought to be good imitations of it. If you're adapting pieces of music written with the named instruments in mind, you can try and use a clarinet reed setting to replace a clarinet, see if you can hear any logic in the names…

[@miroirs-jumeaux]

"Musette" is another name for a common reed setting which is named for a lesser-known woodwind: Musettes are properly a variety of French bagpipe.

[@maryjorico3009]

OMG thas is a big momma accordion. I have trouble with a 72 button. Looking for a 36 at the most. Nice video

[@tantastan]

I don't advice a 32 bass accordion. They are very small. You can look for a 48 one

[@Chibob55]

Thanks for making these. i just picked up a 48 Titan. Is it bad to want to learn just to annoy my electric guitar buddies? I heard that's why Peter Best got tossed from the Beatles.

[@PoopyFrikoli]

Peter Best got tossed cause he was too good looking compared to the rest Hahahah

[@lindaait5359]

Hello, I just bought one, and there's ALWAYS a noise even when I put my finger on the air button, idk what to do ..

[@tripives1858]

Very informative. Thank you. As a musician I have always wondered about how an accordion is played. I have never been one who appreciates the tonal qualities of "piped" instruments, but I always appreciate the qualities of a musician, regardless of the instrument. :-)

[@gypsymelon]

Thank you so much!! So informative and helpful, just the right pacing!!

[@samuelb1638]

I'll dedicate my whole life in learning this and the sax if I have to.

[@n057828]

Kovac is smith I’m an Aussie Croat respect 🙏❤️🇦🇺🇺🇸🇭🇷

[@ooeeove]

Ooooo this looks like a lot of fun!

[@johnkopmeier3579]

What model of scandalli is that

[@ratishtagde664]

really wonderful...

[@Mre_Mimmo]

How cool is the accordion 🪗!!!

[@acornpea5559]

What piano accordion brand do you use in this video? What other brands do you recommend?

[@personmcdudeguy]

that one appears to be a scandalli. some good brands are scandalli, gabbanelli, petosa, and hohner. hohner makes a lot of models that span the whole price range, from cheap to high end.

[@scootergreen3]

How do you play the keys without looking at them?

[@MrFeanaro9]

As you practice an instrument you start to develop a muscle memory for your hands and fingers. Rather than your fingers going to the correct keys because you can see the keys, they start going there because you kind of 'remember the feeling' of where they ought to be. If you watch pianists, as they start to really get into the music they sometimes close their eyes or look around rather than at the keys. Of course, Stevie Wonder is a great example too! You might also like to know that this muscle memory comes faster than most people expect. At least in my experience.

[@fernandofilacchione2399]

Just practicing. Most difficult is to memorize the bass buttons, it is a matter of intuition.

[@moisesall6712]

What are those thingies under your left fongers

[@92nredrappini84]

Tony, what would the base notes on the accordion look like opposite base nore for "C" major on the piano.

[@caroletongue5256]

Where are the next lessons please ?

[@cornkid6981]

Bro this man looks exactly like my music teacher from elementary school, that teacher also played the accordion

[@darknotez7170]

what is the name of the accordion that the gentlemen is using in this video ?

[@derail14]

he is playing a scandellie accordion.

[@claudiocads]

great Tony! thank you!

[@michaelo1156]

Watching Garth Hudson play has made me curious. Hoping to find a place close by to rent one.

[@chuchiri]

How much an accordions from this brand could possibly value? I have one that says ditta GQuaglia

[@mariarosolemos7468]

great

[@salvalenzuela8675]

I just got a accordion as a gift. Trying to learn how to use it. But noticed that when I push the air button and open it up . It still makes sound. Is there something I'm doing wrong or something wrong with my instrument? Thank you.

[@ajm2303-n5h]

As someone who mainly plays the piano/ keyboards, I thought it would be easy bit this is the most confusing instrument I've ever come across. I'm happy with my casio keyboard lol

[@NamberGuan]

Thank you for this idea.

[@madzen112]

It's heavy!!

[@shresthachowdhury1770]

How heavy is it?

[@camfg8908]

Hmm if I can play piano pretty well would it be a problem to learn accordion? Does piano skill help at all here even the right side is like a keyboard? What about the one that has buttons also on the right side, that one looks harder to me

[@ellznaga2199]

What is if I don’t have that many buttons

[@sangrampawar6131]

There are lots of buttons on left side so how to operate them? It may be too tough.

[@xxbeholderxx]

Dude it's awesome your in Philadelphia. I am a fine artist and a musician. I live on grants, residencies, and galleries and what not..etc ofcourse work on the side. Though, I never had the chance to do a residency that is music focus. If you have any tips please share! I lived in philly for 14 years but now I moved to the Midwest. Anyways, beautiful stuff brother ^_^ all the love and cheers

[@bcole9796]

Can you be left handed and play the accordion, or is that just goofy?