Fingers and Finger Numbers

In this chapter, we finally get to play some songs! So far we’ve found out how to read and recognize note names and lengths when reading music. But, I hear you ask, “How do I know which fingers to use on the notes?” Good question! After all, we have five fingers in each hand (unless you’re the piano player in the movie Gattaca!), and beginning-level players often need some guidance as to which fingers to use.

The songs in the next few chapters all have the fingerings marked next to the notes. These fingerings consist of the numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, corresponding to the fingers (on either hand) as follows:

• 1 Thumb
• 2 Index finger
• 3 Middle finger
• 4 “Ring” finger
• 5 Pinkie, or little finger

Here is a visual reference of these finger numbers, for the right hand: