Piano Exercises For Beginners (Speed, Dexterity, Hand Independence, Control)

These 4 exercises are fantastic for anyone wanting to improve their speed, dexterity, hand independence, and control. Although these exercises are geared towards beginners, they can be used by any level as a great way to 'wake up' the fingers and develop muscle memory.
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Here are the four exercises and their timecodes:
1. The Five Finger Sale - 0:20
This exercise uses the five finger scale to work on control and hand independence. Start slow, and make sure that you are always in control of the notes you are playing.
To make it more difficult, you can try playing one hand smoothly (legato) and the other hand sharply (staccato). To make it even MORE difficult try it with each hand playing a different length note.
2. The Contrary Motion Scale - 3:10
This scale sounds fancy, but it's not as hard as it sounds. Start with both thumbs on Middle C. Then play the C scale UP with your right hand and DOWN with your left.
When you're comfortable, start experimenting with dynamics, to control the volume.
3. The Solid Claw - 4:55
This is called the claw because we make a claw shape with our hand, and use our 1, 3, and 5 fingers to play a chord. Once you can play a chord, work your way up the keyboard to play a chord on each note, and come back down again.
If this is too difficult, you can take out the middle finger for now, and just use the top and bottom notes.
4. The Broken Claw - 6:19
This is very similar to the Solid Claw, except instead of playing the notes as chords, we are going to play each one separately. This exercise can be very challenging, so make sure you take it slow.
These lessons vary in difficulty, so if you can't do them all, that's ok! Work on what you can do, and practice to get better. If you can do them all, that's great! Work to get them faster, and check out some of our more advanced exercises on our channel.
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ABOUT LISA:
Lisa Witt has been teaching piano for +20 years and in that time has helped hundreds of thousands of students learn to play the songs they love. Lisa received classical piano training through the Royal Conservatory of Music, but she has since embraced popular music and playing by ear in order to accompany herself and others. She is a songwriter and recording artist. Lisa’s contagious enthusiasm will have you excited to practice and return to the keys for your next lesson. Her teaching style focuses on you, making lessons encouraging and fun.
#pianolessons #pianote #pianotutorial

[@PianoteOfficial]

Ready to level up your playing? Get personal coaching tips and structured lessons: enjoy your free 7-day trial to Pianote! ► www.pianote.com/trial

[@EliteHunting1911]

38 years old and just starting. Seems daunting at times, but an instrument I always longed to play but never took the initiative. Wish me luck!!

[@PianoteOfficial]

Good luck! It's never too late to start. Just remember learning the piano is a lifelong journey. There's no need to rush :)

[@theobviousgirl]

Same here and I'm 30

[@decian3358]

Good luck

[@PaulTheEldritchCat]

I know the feeling, I'm 33 and barely starting. Good luck!

[@someoneontheinternet3090]

Same here

[@outlier1284]

This girl is THE best piano teacher that I've found so far on KZbin.

[@kip4966]

Her, and the 'mangold project, also on KZbin

[@kris_r]

I completely agree!

[@christinerogers3800]

interesting points ,if anyone else needs to find out about best piano courses try 4LearnPianoEasy.blogspot.com Ive heard some interesting things about it and my work buddy got great results with it.

[@christinecarreiro7830]

agreed!!!

[@galaxyhero81]

Kim Collingswood is a maestro

[@marionfrance757]

I am a 75 year young lady, learning to play my keyboard, thank you for your tips and advice

[@RichardThe3]

Marion France Yeah u go lady!! 👍🏾

[@shojinshi2122]

That’s great! Good luck

[@oregajcanin903]

Thats awesome but your 75, ur not young at all...

[@tigery6615]

@@oregajcanin903 you know, that wasn't really polite..

[@vikaskashikar7986]

@@oregajcanin903 You are old when you stop learning.. so if someone is learning at 75, they are Young 💓

[@PrinceKlutz]

71 summers I have seen, and this is one of the best drills for hand independence I've ever seen.

[@darewin3847]

Her: "That's exercise No.1". Me: "What! that was just 1!"

[@alhunterr]

😂😂

[@larry123467]

same here 😅😱😬

[@namohd41]

lol

[@lottyfeliciano649]

lol same

[@hakunanamata]

Same 🤣🤣🤣

[@damiencastle93]

having played the piano for over 10 years without any tuition, i have never really drilled any exercises like this and now find it really hard to do as im not used to it. feeling like a total beginner!!

[@skzafir721]

I can play the piano well now. Thank you very much. Now if anyone asks me if i had a piano teacher, i can gladly say yes. Thanks again Pianote.

[@sampasampa8896]

Awesome

[@virginiasanchez2667]

If you have always wanted to learn to play the piano but didn't know where to start, then this is for you... VISIT HERE: PianoLessons99.blogspot.com

[@sakuramitami02]

If you don't mind me asking, how long did it take for you to reach that 'well' level? I'm just getting started and it's a lot harder than it seems

[@batsy2488]

Sakura Mitami around a year

[@camh6328]

@@sakuramitami02 that depends on the individual and how much time of day you spend at it I don't know if you'll see this comment because your remark is a year old.

[@itsmim6726]

Maam thank you so much for this, I actually do this every single day and I put a timer on for 15 mins. I am seeing myself improving little by little. Every day I feel like my fingers are getting stronger and my placements are getting more and more accurate. Anyone trying to learn piano, I am telling you, you gotta practice this every single day for at least 15mins and you will see the difference in about 6 days. Good luck to everyone who is trying to learn the piano.

[@245194LAC]

74 years of age and have been wanting to play piano for years. I have a teacher who teaches a lot of theory but, I really like what it is that you provide: actual hands-on drills on the keyboard, teaching the fingers! Your drills let me get in touch with the instrument in a very real way and I have progressed a lot since I starting following your teachings and, you know how to talk and instruct. You are so very pleasant to listen to. Thank you so very much for this.

[@shsarir5316]

Awesome👍

[@anitamorrison5426]

Me too 72 yrs old in past 2 yrs lesson the teacher didn't help me these lesson are great and I understand what she is teaching and it's fun thanks

[@signordon1987]

get a refund

[@thefactis648]

74 years 74 likes I see what u guys did here! 👀😂

[@b.padmavathi8879]

Can you share some notes here, which may useful for others

[@mountieman18]

When I started "The Claw" exercise, I was shocked to see that the chord progression was much harder to do with my right hand (my dominant hand) than my left hand. Really threw me for a loop then I was browsing youtube and was watching a guy play a classical piece on guitar and then I realized that my left hand was much more flexible an independent from years of playing guitar. At least I have the dexterity in my left hand lol.

[@salmabassiony5998]

Be glad troy. If the hand that isn’t dominant is better than the dominant from past experience you might reach a good level faster. Like my right hand is dominant for me as well but my left hand is just a piece of beef. So you are lucky

[@ErnestYeap]

I’m experiencing the same issue like you as well, Troy. My dominant right hand is just not cooperating as much as my left hand. The difference is that i played the ukulele and you played the guitar, which is way harder than ukulele. Btw, good-luck in your piano journey.

[@bachelorbrotherskitchen5403]

In India we believe teachers are next to God. We call them guru in hindi. So, you are my Guru maa. Thank you for this amazing technique.

[@shadabahmed4547]

In India we are emotional 😂

[@yukiyamamoto-oq3tm]

Jesus Christ is the only true God. You cannot call a man or woman a god. They are only human. For Christ Jesus died for our sin to have access to God the Father. For all have sinned, So Christ Jesus died for us so that we can become rightouesness to God. Repent and turn to the only truth, Christ Jesus!

[@wewaewe5112]

​@@yukiyamamoto-oq3tmshut up please stop with the dogma and let people share their cultures you brain dead sheep

[@urnotren]

she ain't gonna let you hit bruh!

[@therub2191]

​@@yukiyamamoto-oq3tm no

[@bronzejourney5784]

I love how much positivity you radiate. Whole video feels green.

[@andoni6979]

FIRST KZbin VIDEO THAT ACTUALLY GETS WHAT BEING A BEGINNER IS LIKE!

[@wendygilbert7939]

80 years old next year and starting off as a beginner to keep my fingers from seizing up and keep my brain active learning challenging new skills. I'm so thankful for your lessons they're brilliant.

[@elainel1814]

My heart broke when she said “that’s exercise #1” at 3:11 excellent teaching!

[@christopherasprin4313]

me too HAHAAHA

[@dtrend1972]

Yaa same🤣🤣🤭🤭

[@iamlarryflint]

SAME🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Breal191]

I know! That was the 3rd! Lol!

[@mansisharma3453]

Sammeeee.... I thought that was all the exercises 😭😭😂😂😂

[@indridewantry6335]

On this quaratine days, this woman teach me a lot

[@hanshuman1382]

I'm 70 years old. Just started your exercises. I am in love.

[@MusTelOJ]

I hope you live 100 years 😔

[@Traewulong]

99 years of age and im still going strong, thank you pianote.

[@shirleydelasalas9762]

That IS so wonderful! Congratulations! I started study last year, I will be 82 in June 2020. Been on it for 1 year and 6 months now. Just learning gives me much pleasure, I am happy to study something that I really enjoy!

[@mack2001x]

legend🐐

[@Yoshistar238]

For real? Wow impressive! Good luck!

[@willolol3353]

Are you Dead ?

[@godschild7643]

I am 69 and had a small stroke in August. You really can't tell. Because the brain has remarkable plasticity and can recover parts that have been injured, or make new ones, I decided to learn how to read music and play keyboards. I have played guitar by ear in bands much of my life but could improve that too. But one thing at a time. I am brand new at keyboards and liked your approach. I love doing worship music and was excited that you have someone that focuses on that!!! I am a retired RN. Pamela

[@clancydowrca]

2:42 Unbelievable difficult to do. My hand wants to catch up with the other hand!!!

[@lynndarcey7161]

I’m glad to see there are other older learners here! I, too, never thought I could get my fingers cooperating. Playing the flute is one note at a time. This is different. I am fascinated every inch of the way!

[@shicgh]

Great exercises! I've been playing guitar for 14 years and now I'm just diving into piano and this definitely helps a ton! I already know the music theory, triads, scales and what not, but changing from guitar technique to piano technique it's hard. Your exercise videos have been of so much help to self-teaching myself how to play the piano. Thanks!

[@leejunkent1224]

This is what I'm looking for years since I wants to learn piano.I practicing these exercise all on my desk.

[@marcusmoore3095]

I am 62 years old and because of you I am starting piano lessons this next Tuesday, September 3rd. Thank you!

[@PianoteOfficial]

I AM SOOO HAPPY TO HEAR THIS!!!!!!!!!!! Have the BEST first lesson :)

[@MrBender1110]

Lisa is the best teacher. I use her every lesson. Thank you, Lisa, for your time and work.

[@CecileVizcaya]

I've just "returned" to playing my electric keyboard here at home after so many years. And since it's quarantine, I think I can have the time. I felt my hands were only beginning to learn the keys. It felt so strange after years of not having played. This was very helpful to me. Thanks!

[@RaphaelS.Rodrigues-zl3rh]

I hope you are reading this. I’ve only knew the basics of piano, never played chords or used both hands. I spent 2 hours practicing. I am able to do all the exercises now. I’m so happy !!! Thank you so much !!!

[@Sofiad180]

I’ve been playing piano for over ten years and lately I was feeling really demotivated and your exercises reaaaaaally helped me to go back to basics and find my will to practice again. Thank you and love from Argentina ❤️

[@AmitChandra_YouTube]

Nicely explained, Thank you Ma'am.

[@VictoriaHil]

Yes! She is definitely inspiring and good in her instruction. She reminds me of my piano teacher, a truly good teacher. I loved taking lessons with her but I had to stop because I don't have an extra two hours a week ( which is the time it took for me to get to her lessons and back home again).

[@kkrup5395]

I am 874 years old and finaly decided to learn piano. I played a little of harpsichord whet it was popular, but don't remember much now. Thanks for the video, wish me luck everybody!

[@michaelhomes8049]

Lololol

[@tungbodanhloto]

Exactly what I need, thank you

[@deepakmittal9244]

Hello, Using these techniques, my speed and understanding of play piano is improved. Thank you.

[@DavidSmith-hn5gg]

I’ve only been playing the piano for three months and I’m 48 years old. I have watched lots of tutorial video’s on KZbin and this young lady is by far the best teacher. You’re amazingly easy to follow and I find your exercises extremely helpful. Thank you so much for your time and god bless you. Definitely got a Sub from me ❤️🙏🏻

[@christopherblande3281]

Thank you! Your clarity is a tremendous help!

[@IodineBanana]

Awesome video, keep doing what you're doing!! Thank you for sharing!

[@CubeRover]

Your Comment Got A ❤ From Painote.

[@bogaseriugeorge3773]

Best piano teacher on the KZbin! Thanks.

[@cyndatanner5161]

I am 71 years old and took piano lessons off and on over the last 45 years but was always too busy to practice. I can play by ear and know some theory. I am so happy to find this channel as you motivate me to really get serious now about learning how to use my left hand to go along with the melody of my right hand, plus many more piano playing concepts. I love your style of teaching and bright, sunny disposition. You remind me of Meg Ryan😊

[@andalgopalakrishnan3105]

The explanation is indeed superb.

[@noeminoeminee6030]

Will do this everyday, it improves my hand amazing! 😊

[@GR-oq6uz]

Best video dor beginner till date I watch. Excellent

[@stacyball9190]

Thank you for your wonderful videos; I'm 53 years old and always admired my dad's piano playing - he played rag time music like The Entertainer, and Jug Band Music, and my all time favorite House of the Rising Sun. He passed away 4 years ago from brain cancer and I miss him so much. I have his Ivers & Pond Boston upright piano from the 1800's and I've always wanted to learn but never had the time. I'm thankful for your simplistic instructions and encouragement to learn to play. I'm going to take it slow so I don't get frustrated, but with your help, I know I can do it. I used to play the flute in high school...hopefully some of that musical talent will surface again!

[@Chimunculous]

I love these exercises! Definitely going to be hammering these into my brain (and hands). Thank you!

[@MyGully1]

I have been looking for this since I started, only a few months ago, thank you

[@davidcas1]

Gracias por los ejercicios. Eres muy talentosa. Thanks for the exercise. I like it.

[@juless3568]

Thankyou for the piano exercises to enjoy future piano music compositions of a composer I enjoy listening to.

[@philomenacesta563]

I’m 65, and I just started. It always intrigued me. Love it. Don’t give up.

[@aarontokana1492]

Thanks for these exercises really enjoyed watching your videos so informative glad to subscribe cheers.

[@nieshamae]

For beginners like me this is so difficult but I'll work hard to improve.

[@jarretpalmer9077]

How is your progress now??

[@salmabassiony5998]

I am so glad i found this channel and this isn’t my first video but still thank you for setting all of us on the right track you are a lifesaver.

[@brittnemccrimmon4919]

Amazing video. These are the most helpful exercises I've found on this platform. Thank you SO much for sharing!

[@Chimunculous]

I’m a beginner and these exercises are super helpful (and super hard)! Thanks so much, I love your channel 👍🏻

[@Max-qq7my]

I’ve never really tried these kind of piano exercises but I feel like this is really helpful ^^

[@ikamaro_27nachu38]

Thank you soo much teacher❤️😘God bless

[@jijfl]

I just started playing the piano a few months ago and I have to say that your videos have been very helpful and a lot of fun to watch. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the piano and love of music.

[@HaharuRecords]

Im gonna try each and every lession, to make my fingers move.. yeah. Thanks a lot😊

[@isleofmelody8082]

Thanks a lot for this video .. Really informative

[@suemar63]

I sure wish I had had a great teacher like this many many years ago when I went for lessons, instead of the cranky old bat I had. She used to whack my hands with a ruler when i made a mistake. Let's just say, I didn't enjoy lessons very much. What a sweetie this gal is. I'm learning more from these KZbins than I EVER did as a child. Thank you so much!

[@debeshbhattarai]

The best Piano Teacher...Love it.

[@asuibonewmai1363]

This girl is the best piano teacher I have ever seen

[@pyb6]

Omg these are helpful, thanks!

[@PaPaScorp1on]

can't express how much this helped me !! thank you soooooooooooooooo much !! keep it up

[@38scsharma]

One of the finest and essential qualities in any Instructor is his /her enthusiasm and ability to make a 'difficult' subject so simple and interesting that even a child should be able to understand easily. You have that quality Lady - your enthusiasm is captivating !-Plz keep it up!

[@wayniac917]

Awesome exercises! I can't play 2 handed to save my life. I'm definitely going to practice these exercises. Thanks!

[@manonglakay4735]

Practicing all of these on my desk before I could buy an actual keyboard 😅

[@shady7219]

Lean Delos Santos well that makes two of us 😂.

[@ZoMichael-a]

You'll surely get it , good luck.😁

[@4thesakeofitname]

Even owning a keyboard, I did it on the table first :-)

[@MyTube4Utoo]

@Lean Delos Santos Great idea! I'd probably play a lot fewer bad notes like that! lol

[@manonglakay4735]

Just an update, bought a REALLY cheap 54(!!)key. Wish I bought a 61-key instead. My brain hurts every time I practice lol For music!

[@FR-ho6pn]

Your hand independence video is a game changer. Thank you!!

[@dianpratama9507]

40yrs old newbie here. Been learning piano for solid 3 week now. This is excellent stuff & definitely will try it later after work. Thnks!!

[@e.castlerock8454]

I'm fairly new to watching your videos. I'm finding them very helpful. Thanks for all your work in helping us piano players! I will definitely do these exercises.

[@CubeRover]

Your Comment Got A ❤ From Painote.

[@GUPRPEET-Singh]

2:46 that switch is really hard.. very challenging for me... But i'll do it.. Thanks for the lesson

[@erosapadilla2912]

Thank you for your teachings!!!!

[@nalomelikukui8134]

Wow! Great lesson! Thank you!

[@desertrose7776]

I love you ♡ such a kindhearted person. I try to teach myself piano. :)

[@Bashanvibe]

As a professional keyboard player these can be good use still especially me dealing with MS good way to warm up before my gig. I use the Hannon exursise to warm up this works too.

[@freddygarcia1434]

I would say you should definitely apply these exercise to whatever musical scale you plan to practice, they don't have to be the standard.

[@Lunar123424]

Thank you , i learned a lot from you. Juist started 3weeks ago🙃 You’re such a bundle of joy 🎉 Warm hugs al the way from Amsterdam 🥰🥰🥰

[@lanalien5241]

Great exercises! Thank you!

[@nk56950]

This is great. I am just starting to learn again and these exercises can really help me move along faster. Thanks for the info and for the clear explanations! By the way, I love your haircut!

[@mariecohen3052]

Nick Gerard me too

[@colinm9423]

Same here!

[@adammullins242]

Ha, I got instant brain fry trying the second one. Good exercises, I will work away at these.

[@PianoteOfficial]

Brain fry is good! That feeling once you get passed the brain fry is the BEST! You can do it :)

[@nahnotsomuch2292]

Yeah. I had the same reaction. My brain just crapped itself in the middle of that. I'll just have to take that one super slow.

[@balladin9200]

True it sometimes feels like my brain is internally bleeding.

[@boldizzle]

I just started playing Piano a few weeks ago. I've subbed to a few different piano lesson channels but this one has some straight to the point exercises that are really helping me. Thanks for your amazing videos!

[@adamrj7286]

really good exercises for the beginner..... thanks so much

[@gossamyr]

I found the teacher's voice very inspiring and holding my attention, sub'd will explore more, thanks! I'm not really a beginner, but sometimes a self taught will touch base with educational material in case I taught myself wrong...ha.

[@harshpearl]

This is really helpful especially in my case i started to learn piano just recently ang since i am old my fingers are stiff so i really need this exercise thanks a lot 👍

[@CubeRover]

Your Comment Got A ❤ From Painote.

[@shahzadsoni248]

Great teacher Totally understandable blessings dear ma'am !

[@Gydon1]

Thank you! I started piano lessons more than 40 years ago and eventually stopped because it got so mundane. You make it fun to learn! 'm picking it up again with much more enthusiasm. I wish my piano teachers taught me this way. I don't think I would have ever quit.

[@OsmanRajaStudios]

great video, keep it up!

[@dennisandrada5519]

And I never subscribed that fast! Thank you for this! ♥️

[@PianoteOfficial]

Thank YOU!

[@jaederain]

Thank you so much!!!! Very helpful and inspiring as well. 👌🏼

[@caryheuchert]

Thank you for your enthusiastic approach. Great video!!!

[@vishalsahi8289]

Your Teaching style is very good Thanks for sharing I pray that God multiply ur talent

[@vivien1252]

You're probably the best piano teacher EVER

[@patrickwindsor2100]

amazing! Very helpful exercise. Was challenging at first, but after practicing I'm getting the hang of it. Thank you so much!

[@denys55]

Great ideas! Thank you very much!

[@makkotler]

This is already a mini boot camp of well tempered clavier. I would use this everyday before my practice schedule of pieces to remove the rust

[@iinnet007]

Madam, you taught me the four techniques very well very simply.. I was searching such a finger technique.. You have very good presentation skill to speak English in an understandable speed and u are very humble.. I got all these 4 and I will start to practice. Thank you very much for sharing the idea..🙏😻😻✌️

[@PianoteOfficial]

Thank you so much for your kind words Praveen!!!

[@iinnet007]

@@PianoteOfficial Madam, I took time and studied all these 4 techniques😍🙏🤗

[@Ploobstill]

Awesome! Thank you so much. These will certainly make my hands strong and agile.

[@sax0073]

Great excercises, thanks for your tips!!

[@ID4rkStr]

Mmm playing quarter notes on one hand and playing whole notes on the other. That’s where it got me :D but it’s a place to start!

[@THE_QUEEN_ARIADNE]

Honestly, I thought that the second exercise was impossible but as soon as I concentrated and took it slow it was okay! I just wanna say thank you for making these videos. They are in my opinion the best videos for beginners. I am still learning, I know how to play chords and accompany myself while singing but I want to improve my hand's independence so that I can accompany myself with a piece of more interesting background music, therefore, I find these videos very helpful

[@hayden.673]

Same!

[@_im_dora_]

IKR!!

[@hareshgogoi4043]

Can you give more lessons or pleaae suggest me where l will get further lessons.

[@lailaabdelhadi1410]

The third exercise is hard for me but hopefully I can make it with no mistakes 👍

[@CubeRover]

Your Comment Got A ❤ From Painote.

[@jeremiahhurley2513]

Big love and respect lady .

[@y2kdano]

just turned 40, I'm starting from scratch - I found this - lets see ho;w long it takes to get to the end of the video! Thanks for the simple advice for someone starting at day 1 :)

[@achraf8694]

how are you doing

[@y2kdano]

@@achraf8694 was doing well up till spring, too much to do outside, but I still try to do these exercises on my days off, building up muscle memory, thanks for asking :)