How to Hold a Piano Accordion the Easy Way [A Beginner's Guide]

[@accordionlucy]

I'm definitely guilty of 'the claw' at times. What habits in this video can you relate to?

[@jaimegutier273]

Hello Lucy, I thin the claw and using my elbows for bellow movements is my main bad habit. Something I realized is that I also forgot how to properly use my left leg by using a chair that has amrest as sitting place for learning from my pc.

[@JohnMichaelMurphy]

Excellent topic. There have been too many generations that believe exploiting your body is a right of passage. You are a good person for talking about this.

[@accordionlucy]

Thank you so much!

[@NicholasJackiw]

Genuinely useful! So many tutorials head right into the keyboard layout -- I've been playing for eight months and learned a ton from your 14 minutes. Thank you!

[@accordionlucy]

Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Nicholas.

[@AccordionManiac]

After playing for 20 years I've only recently learnt about tucking the accordion into the right thigh and letting the left leg hold some of the weight. Great points that you raise in this video.

[@accordionlucy]

Thanks Phil!

[@mattleach958]

Thank you Lucy. I have been playing accordion for several years and you just taught me to play so much better and easier.

[@counfound]

the most helpful video for beginners I have found, great friendly, clear and “all business” approach - refreshing and inspiring, THANK you!

[@accordionlucy]

Thank you so much :)

[@yvondubois1494]

thank you for the video. It made me realize that my straps were too short and the accordion was not resting on my lap. I had another pair of straps that are longer and swapped them. What a difference it made both in my shoulders discomfort and my playing. I also added a back strap but I did not know that you have to be a contortionist to snap it together. 😵‍💫

[@accordionlucy]

Glad it helped! Haha yes it's not easy getting the back strap on unless you have the natural flexibility!

[@yvondubois1494]

@@accordionlucyat 79 it is even more difficult

[@jaimegutier273]

Lucy, I think you just pointed out my big mistake. I was using my wrist and elbow instead of my whole arm and that caused me a lot of problems with pain and fatigue. I also forgot to spread my left leg properly to hold the instrument and that was a bad habit I've developed. After addressing some of the things you mentioned on this video, I can feel a difference now. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@accordionlucy]

Jaime that’s awesome!!! That’s why I make these videos :) I’m sooo glad you can feel the difference!

[@martinsayers128]

Hi Lucy, I'm not a beginner, but this is still useful information, well done. Thankyou.

[@accordionlucy]

Thanks so much Martin :)

[@TrishJones-o7i]

Thanks so much Lucy - all your beginner videos are brilliant!

[@sharonmetcalf3108]

Thank you Lucy. I learned so much watching this video. I haven't played my accordion for quite awhile, and listening to your great tips made me want to get it out and start practicing again.

[@accordionlucy]

That's awesome :) Thanks for sharing! All the best.

[@frescaferni]

I've been playing for years and still found a lot of mistakes I was making! Thanks so much!

[@accordionlucy]

Glad to help!

[@phil3768]

Another great video. I stopped taking lessons about 60 years ago, but get my accordion out once a year at Christmas to play Christmas carol for friends and family. I think you covered everyone of my bad habits. I did not even know that back straps existed and have a constant problem with the left strap dropping down the side of my arm and the left arm strap is too loose, but the adjustment screw is always slipping so I can't keep contact with the left side. I'm going to look for an accordion repair store who might be able to help me fix that. I love your playing too. I'm going to try some of your French songs. You play them so beautifully. Thanks for making these videos.

[@gregtarris9057]

you sound like me. Last lesson 63 years ago. Last played 25 years ago but recently took it up especially because of help from Lucy!

[@michaelm742]

Lucy, I studied this video earlier and as things stand now, I am doing most of my playing standing up. Very soon I am certain, I will have to store a straight backed folding chair hear near the PC to set aside the office chair for study and practice. Formerly, MOST of my playing was done at the foot of the bed. Much oblige The last few days I have been picking the accordion up more often and keeping it on my longer and my back woes are a bit less then they were. I'll need to invest in new straps, though not just now. Eventually they will be the first item on an order to Liberty Bellows :)

[@accordionlucy]

Make sure your straps are adjusted correctly! I find they need to be slightly tighter when I’m standing versus when I’m sitting.

[@bladrunner67]

Lucy, you forgot the best seat for practicing and playing the accordion: a piano bench. It is height adjustable, soft but not too soft and it doesn't have a back that distracts your arms. This has helped me a lot. For the size of the accordion: I wouldn't say it depends on your level of playing but your body size. I am a big man so a 48 oder 72 bass accordion is just too small for me, so i have a 120. 120 is indeed probably too big for you and you play WAY better than me 🙂 Also: a larger accordion means a larger bellows so you have more air ;-) I have also learned to set up the straps so that the right strap is a bit longer than the left one.

[@accordionlucy]

Very good point! I don’t have a piano bench so that totally slipped my mind while filming the video. Yes good point sometimes it doesn’t matter how strong you get physically some accordions will still always be just too big! And that’s right about the straps! Thanks for watching and for your input.

[@HappyWanderer741]

Lucy lots of good help and information here. One aspect I was hoping for was how to use the shoulder straps to position the accordion correctly.

[@ryano.5149]

Finding straps that fit well is SO important. I used to have these nice thick leather straps for my 120, but they were always a touch too big, and I could never find the right buckle hole for them to feel just right. I later switched to and accordion harness from Neotech. It did feel a little bit like sacrilege going to non-leather straps, but they work so much better for me. I probably wouldn't trust them with a giant converter or a tone chamber instrument, but for my no-name (Likely Guerrini and Sons?) LMH 41/120, and my Titano Ideal, they are super comfy and work very well!

[@accordionlucy]

I recently had a student gift me a pair of Neotech! I haven’t properly tried them out but it’s great to know that they’ve been working for you.

[@witherspoon1476]

Thank you! Have been having sore left shoulder when playing for several hours---no backstrap! So I just ordered one. Your points are all so clear. I find I have to be very picky about the lengths of my shoulder straps and even which end I shorten in order to get the keyboard comfortably in line with my chin. Then, even playing the lowest notes works well with only a slight bend in my right wrist. You taught yourself really well!

[@accordionlucy]

Thanks so much :) I’m really glad you got something from this video. All the best with your new back strap! It’s a game changer!

[@cdnsoul5808]

Extremely good video. You're a small person but I am a very big man but nonetheless applying your instructions will definitely make it easier on me even if I have the strength to move my instrument

[@accordionlucy]

Glad it helped!

[@vasishtapolisetty639]

Thank you this is an incredibly useful video! My left arm and wrist have been paining. figured out the mistakes :)

[@accordionlucy]

You’re welcome! Good luck with the adjustments.

[@pauldickinson941]

Another great video Lucy. Well done . very informative

[@accordionlucy]

Thanks Paul 😊

[@zucchini-carwash]

I'm learning so much from your videos . Thanx ❤

[@accordionlucy]

That’s awesome :)

[@LindaCrescent]

Thanks very much for posting this video Lucy. I was recently given an accordion that belonged to my late brother and have been looking for a bit of guidance on playing and holding it correctly. I had the straps slipping off the shoulders, etc. I've also been doing "the claw" and just tried holding my elbow out and arm straight and it's made an enormous difference. Looking forward to learning more and playing. Thanks & regards, Mark

[@accordionlucy]

Hi Mark, I am sorry about your brother x I'm really glad this video has provided some helpful guidance! All the best, Lucy

[@skybrian]

Hi Lucy, this is all great advice! One thing you might want to explain more is putting on a back strap, which can be tricky to do without assistance. This is why when I bought one, I didn’t use it much for years. Though I don’t know if this is best, I later found that putting the back strap on quite high, near my neck, and then pushing it down worked well for me. I don’t know how important placement is, but it seems fine as long as it keeps the shoulder straps from sliding off.

[@accordionlucy]

That's a good point! I've always found it quite easy but I do have uncommon flexibility with my arms reaching my back. I haven't quite figured out the prime spot to place it, but I think you're right, as long as the shoulder straps are secure and you're not in pain then it's doing it's job.

[@chrisblue1515]

Excellent advice. All very helpful. Thanks -a-million! Game changer!

[@accordionlucy]

Glad it was helpful! All the best Chris :)

[@sccabble]

So glad I found you!

[@accordionlucy]

Aw I'm glad you found me too :)

[@ArtRodent]

Only recently realised the shoulder straps on my Hohner are only as wide as the backstraps you have, You've confirmed here why I don't have full control, so thanks Lucy. Didn't have back straps come with it! Looking to order some wider leather shoulder straps and use the old straps to hopefully make a suitable back strap. A brilliantly informative video throughout

[@accordionlucy]

I’m so glad you found it helpful Stephen! I played my 72 bass Paloma accordion for years without a back strap. Getting one was a total game changer and really improved my technique! Good luck.

[@allanmclean5773]

Well done Lucy..it helped me a lot. Allan

[@suhaskatdare1187]

Very good information

[@tecnologiamusicaecuriosidades]

Quais são as principais técnicas para manter uma postura confortável e ergonômica ao segurar um acordeão de piano durante longas sessões de prática?

[@alisaaccord]

Very useful, thank you Lucy

[@accordionlucy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marianaluduena8733]

Thank you so much Lucy! Helpfull advise to when I get a bigger accordion

[@accordionlucy]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it Mariana :)

[@dean-orochester7374]

I like the video, I have a 48 key piano accordion Excalibur from Jim Laab accordions. I am 6'4" and got rid of my old 120 bass piano accordion. This 48 key is much lighter, which my low back likes, but the 48 bass is small and my left shoulder/arm seems to be very cramped when I play it. Do you have any suggestions for making it not so cramped to play?

[@theresa58x]

Thanks awesomely ❤️❤️❤️

[@brendanhansknecht4650]

Very interesting on placement. i think my accordion may be too small to wedge the keyboard into my right thigh. Also, you definitely put the accordion farther right than I do. Will defintely have to try that. I generally put the it farther left overall. Seems weird to have the bellows almost resting on the left leg. But im new, so idk.

[@accordionlucy]

I know a lot of method books and teachers say to place the keyboard right underneath the chin, but I find it hard to keep secure and I can't open the bellows are far doing it that way. Good luck!

[@flossiehoward7615]

Great idea for video - i find it so frustrating when i see people not having accordion in correct position. You just know that with a few adjustments their playing would improve significantly. Sometimes , if it is appropriate , i have pointed this out to the person - great to see the light bulb moment for them !

[@accordionlucy]

I played with poor technique for a long time. A lot of the changes that I made were thanks to more experienced accordionists pointing it out to me! I am so grateful for their input. Thanks for watching :)

[@flossiehoward7615]

@@accordionlucy i was self taught initially when i first took accordion up at about 17 years old - then probably not until 10 years later i had lessons for a couple of years with an Italian accordion teacher - lesson 1 he readjusted straps etc - i couldn’t believe the difference it made in my playing !!

[@accordionlucy]

@@flossiehoward7615 wow! I bet that felt amazing after 10 years! What was wrong with how your straps were set?

[@flossiehoward7615]

@@accordionlucy yes was quite mind blowing - i have played piano since childhood so back then i was a piano player who played accordion - nowadays i am really an accordion player who plays piano. Although we never stop learning !! In terms of straps i had right strap too tight and left quite loose. The band i was in at that time were a street act - lots of energy and movement - so it sort of worked for that as i was often running and jumping whilst playing !! - but didn’t help when i wanted to play more technical pieces etc.

[@accordionlucy]

Interesting you say that because just today I filmed another video which highlights 5 of the biggest challenges a pianist will have when they transition to accordion! I feel like I can relate to the realisation of becoming an accordionist who plays piano. I sit down at a piano now and don’t know where to look!

[@zsoltarki2929]

Soo useful video, tysm!

[@sherifghaly]

Loved your video .. I need to learn more and more, especially for the bass area .. I have good ears and know some basics of reading musical scores .. but do I really need to actually learn the musical scores in order to play professionally the accordion. I have many pro accordion player friends who tell me you don't need to. But I can't find someone who can teach me where I live .. please help!

[@accordionlucy]

Where do you live? Remember you can always do online lessons on Zoom!

[@deborahchauncey7772]

Very helpful!

[@accordionlucy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mattsarconi693]

Many thanks.

[@gregtarris9057]

excellent

[@GTRUPIANO]

any thoughts about playing/performing while standing vs. sitting? I note that in older videos (Lawrence Welk era) the accordionist almost always plays standing and has memoraized the music; in more current performances, the player sits and frequently is looking at the music off camera; I'm trying to figure how to train myself ....

[@accordionlucy]

I would always start by sitting. When you start memorising music then try standing up facing away from the music. Then try walking around.

[@869libertad]

Excelente Lucy !!!

[@accordionlucy]

Thanks!

[@sagarsathemusicofficialss3122]

Nice one...helpful ❤

[@accordionlucy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@frankb1]

Hi Lucy! Do you also play a small accordion?

[@accordionlucy]

How small are you talking? This is a 72 bass accordion which is my main performance accordion. I own a 48 bass accordion but I don’t often play it!

[@helenacc123]

Lucy super bravo grand performance the músic the akordeon fantástic Thanck Joli 😢

[@accordionlucy]

Thanks!

[@pommedeterreaucitron]

Do you offer lessons? I am also based in Melbourne and looking to pick up the accordion

[@accordionlucy]

Yes I do. If you’d like more info please email [e-mail] 😊

[@fr3ak1shh]

The more I think about it, the more posture issues seem to arise. The more posture issues I have, the less fun I have playing the accordion. Love hate this instrument after 3 months.

[@marianasantosacordeonista2005]

Excelent!!!👏👏👏👏👏🌹🌹🌹

[@accordionlucy]

Thanks!

[@klassischerakkordeonist7788]

Do you plan on owning a 120 bass?

[@accordionlucy]

No plans to at this stage. Unless I got a really good gig and needed the range.

[@klassischerakkordeonist7788]

Understandable. Good luck on your journey!

[@accordionlucy]

Thanks 😊

[@majideshaqzai766]

You are so beautiful ❤

[@accordionlucy]

Thank you

[@RasmusHuusom]

To be honest most of the tips you give on this video aren't going to help a beginner, quite the opposite actually. You don't want your accordion hanging 4,5 or 6 inches down from your shoulders and in between your thighs, you really haven't got any control of the movements that way. For the best control and least strenuous way to holding it, it should not be hanging on you shoulders like a school bag but should be tightly held onto your body so it's your whole back that's lifting it. The right height of it is equally important the top corner of the keyboard should be about 1 or 2 inches down from your shoulder, press you finger in at the should joint and feel where the lower edge of the knuckle is and that's where it should be. If you have the accordion hanging so loosely you also won't have proper control of your bellows.