Start learning
A beginner piano roadmap
Learn the keyboard layout and find middle C, then a five finger position and your first one-hand tune, then simple two-hand playing, then note reading, then chords and scales. Most people go wrong by starting with theory or by attempting both hands too early. The order below is the one that keeps people playing rather than quitting.
Click any key to hear it. Your computer's A to K row works too.
Weeks one and two: the keyboard and your first tune
Learn to find middle C from the group of two black keys, name the white keys, and set up a five finger position. Play a one-hand melody such as Twinkle, Twinkle or Mary Had a Little Lamb until it is comfortable. Do not add the left hand yet, and do not study any theory. The five minute walkthrough on this site covers this stage end to end.
Weeks three to six: the left hand joins in
Learn a left hand part on its own, then combine one bar at a time at half speed. A single held bass note under each bar is the right first step, which is exactly what level 2 in the practice room gives you. Ode to Joy is the ideal piece here because the melody never leaves one hand position.
Months two and three: reading and rhythm
Start ten minutes a day on note reading, treble clef first, then bass. At the same time start counting out loud and using a metronome, because rhythm is the half of reading that most self taught players skip and later regret. Keep playing pieces alongside this; drills alone are demoralising.
Months four to six: chords, scales and real pieces
Learn C, G, F and A minor chords and how to move between them. Learn the C, G and F major scales. Take on a piece that genuinely stretches you, such as the opening of Für Elise, and use looping on the bars that resist. By this point you should be choosing your own pieces rather than following a list.
This page answers the question. the five lesson course lets you work through the whole beginner path in order. It is free, and it starts the moment you open it.
Keep going
Read next
A piano has 88 keys, 52 white and 36 black, repeating one pattern of twelve. Find any note Open → ♪ Where is middle C on the piano?
Middle C is the white key just left of any pair of black keys, nearest the centre. Here is Open → ♪ Piano notes chart
An interactive chart of every white and black key with its note name. Click any key to hea Open → ♪ Piano chord chart
Every common major and minor chord with its notes and fingering, shown on a keyboard you c Open →
Put it into practice in the practice room, or start at the beginning with the five minute walkthrough.
Questions
Common questions
What should I learn first on piano?
Where the keys are, particularly middle C, and a comfortable five finger hand position. Then one simple melody with one hand.
When should I start reading music?
After you can play a couple of simple tunes. Starting with notation before you have played anything makes the piano feel like homework.
When should I add the left hand?
Once a right hand tune runs without you thinking about it. That usually takes two or three weeks.