Course 1: Beginner Piano - Getting started theory and 1st lessons - Module 1 - Section 3 - Fingering Definition and Hand Positions

Fingering Definition and Hand Positions

Fingering Definition and Hand Positions Fullscreen

Fingering definitions are the same for both hands. The thumb on either hand is referred to as "1", the index finger (on either hand) is referred to as "2", the middle finger is "3", the next finger (or ring finger on the right hand) is "4" and either 'pinky' finger is "5".

Finger Numbers
In piano, we number the fingers as follows:

To start the "1"'s (or thumbs) should share the most central "C" on the keyboard.