Lesson 04.5
Left-Hand Reading
Learn how to position your left hand, understand its finger numbers, and play your first notes with it.
◉ Beginner level
▥ Left hand
◎ Bass clef
Lesson Progress
Set Your Left Hand
Start by establishing the physical position before asking the learner to read.
Place finger 5 on Bass C.
Then:
5 → C
4 → D
3 → E
Place your left hand over Bass C, D, and E. Your little finger starts on Bass C.
Finger 5 on C · Finger 4 on D · Finger 3 on E
Read C, D, and E
Read each note on the bass staff. Is it C, D, or E?
What note is this?
Look at its position on the bass staff.
Exercise complete!
You read eight notes using Bass C and the notes around it.
Read the Direction
You do not always need to name every note first. Look at the shape of the notes and notice which way they move.
Which way do the notes move?
Look from left to right.
Exercise complete!
You practiced reading the direction of notes instead of naming each note separately.
Read Short Patterns
Find the first note, then follow the direction of the pattern. Try to read the shape before naming every note.
Which pattern do you see?
Find the first note, then follow the notes from left to right.
Exercise complete!
You practiced finding the starting note and following the shape of short bass-clef patterns.
Play What You Read
Read the pattern from left to right and play it with your left hand. Start with Bass C and follow the direction of the notes.
Play this pattern
Left hand: 5 on C · 4 on D · 3 on E
Play your MIDI keyboard or use the piano keys below.
Well done!
You played all ten bass-clef patterns with your left hand.
10 / 10 patterns completedPiano Course Progress Check
Review what you have learned so far.