Piano fingering is the art of assigning certain fingers to keys in order to optimize control, speed and fluidity when playing a piano piece. Careful consideration is given to fingering to maintain a natural hand shape and to prevent tension and injury.
In piano, each finger is assigned a number, beginning with thumbs (1) to pinkies (5). In general, we aim to play the shorter keys (black keys) with the longer fingers (2, 3, and 4) and the longer keys (whites) with the shorter fingers (1, and 5). So, whenever possible, it’s optimal to avoid playing black keys with thumbs and pinkies. This can help create a smoother, more efficient playing style.
Consistency is important when learning fingering. It’s easier to build muscle memory when we play notes with the same fingering each time. I call it “finger programming” which helps in learn pieces more efficiently and takes any guesswork out by sticking to a fingering “plan.”
Thankfully, most sheet music comes with suggested fingering, displayed as numbers usually above or below notes on the staff. If fingering isn’t given, then try to think in terms of five-finger positions and optimal fingering used in scales, arpeggios and chords. Remember, avoid awkward hand positions and focus rather on ergonomic, natural positions and movements.
In the short video below, I examine the first line of Clementi’s “Sonatina No. 1, Op. 36” 1st Movement and explain an approach for the right hand fingering.
The right hand begins with a second inversion chord so we can use standard fingering (1-3-5) with finger 3 as the anchor. Or we can use 1-2-4 to more smoothly reach up to the high G, one octave above. The melody then moves down in a scale-like passage so we will want to cross over with finger 3 and then finish the scale on finger 1. Next we have a melodic third followed by second interval pattern, so I suggest fingers 4-2, 3-1 and so on in order to easily play that passage. This allows us to finish with finger 2 on the F-sharp which is preferable since we want to play black keys with ether fingers 2, 3, or 4 and not with fingers 1 or 5, when possible.
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Please note that if you are brand new to the piano, I recommend beginning first with my other course, “Introduction to Playing Piano,” which covers beginning basics that are helpful before advancing into reading sheet music.
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