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 keys: names and layoutHow to Play Piano for Beginners
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 countsOpen this step
- 04Learn a short phraseOpen this step
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
Check the four-count pattern
Did you play C4 on count 1, D4 on count 2, and keep E4 sounding through counts 3 and 4? Say the four counts aloud without speeding up at the last note. If the note names or timing need another try, repeat the same bar before moving to the next reading task.
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.
Browse the piano chord chartFollow a focused practice routine using the scale references.
How to practice piano scales