Fingers and Finger Numbers

Now we'll start to play some songs using the left hand. Again, we'll be using the finger numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 to refer to the fingers (thumb through pinkie). Here's a visual reference of these numbers, for the left hand:

Quite a lot of beginners and self-taught players have a much weaker left hand than right hand, in terms of technique and dexterity (not to mention note recognition in bass clef!). So it's good that we start working on your left hand right away, in order for you to stay on track and develop both hands at the same pace.

Like most right-handed people, I would normally use my right hand for the mouse or trackball when working on the computer. Anyway, several years ago I noticed that the combination of my piano playing with all the work I was doing on the computer, was making my right hand and wrist very fatigued and sore. So I made a conscious decision to switch all my mouse and trackball operations to my left hand. This felt very weird at first, but it soon became natural, and now it feels odd doing these things with my right hand! Anyway, this helped to “even out the load” between my hands, and was a major benefit. You may wish to consider switching tasks to your left hand, to build up independence and strength in your left hand, and also to lighten the load for the right hand, if needed!