Find a group of two black keys. The white key immediately to its left is C. On an 88-key piano, middle C is C4. Find C4, then the next two white keys to its right: D4 and E4. Use the keyboard chart if your instrument has a different range.
Open the keyboard note chartLearn Piano: Your First Useful Steps
Find a note, read a short pattern and choose your next practice task.
Start here · about 3 minutes
Find three keys, then play four counts
Locate middle C and try one complete bar before choosing another reading task.
C4count 1
D4count 2
E4counts 3–4
C4C#4Db4D4D#4Eb4E4
- 01Locate C4 D4 E4Open this step
- 02Read those notesOpen this step
- 03Clap four countsPlanned guide
- 04Learn a short phrasePlanned guide
Start with three keys
Try a four-count pattern
Original first task: play C4 on count 1, D4 on count 2, then E4 for counts 3–4. Keep saying the counts while the last note lasts. This gives you one bar of our 4/4 example. Start with one hand and choose a comfortable pace.
C4count 1
D4count 2
E4counts 3–4
Choose the next step
Read the same notes on the staff, then clap a rhythm before learning a short piece. The printable starter pack includes both-clef note examples, two sight-reading lines and two rhythm lines. For chord playing, begin with C–E–G and follow the chord guide.
Open the chord guide