It's important to understand that each finger has a different characteristic when playing the piano, and that each finger needs to be treated differently from the beginning so that you are not developing bad habits.

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is to assume that each finger has the same strength and dexterity. Because of the differences in strength and flexibility of each finger, it is important to focus your attention on certain aspects of the fingers, rather than treating each finger the same.

3 things to remember:

1. The thumb is the strongest but also clunkiest finger. Because it is the only finger with a rotational movement, it is easy to play the thumb too loudly, leading to imbalances or bumps in the smoothness of the sound. Therefore, care should be taken to minimize the movement of the thumb, and try to play softly whenever possible. (See Video 1)
2. The index & middle fingers (2nd and 3rd fingers) are the most capable and reliable fingers, and because of this, you generally want to play the most important notes with these fingers. They are also better than the other 3 fingers at striking black keys. Also, because they are located in the middle of the hand, you cannot use the rotation of your wrist to add extra strength, which means you must practice keeping these fingers soft and agile. (See Video 2)
3. The ring and the pinky (4th and 5th fingers) are the weakest fingers, but ironically also the most important ones. Because of the way the keys of the piano are positioned, the 4th and 5th finger of the right hand are often tasked with playing the highest and most important melody notes, while the 5th finger of the left hand frequently needs to play the bass note of the entire part. Therefore, these 2 fingers should be given extra attention at all times, because neglecting them will lead to imbalances later as well as poor control. (See Video 3)

Finger independence is not something that comes immediately to everyone. But by learning new pieces and playing them well, you will quickly develop the ability to control each finger independently and in a manner that is fitting of their unique characteristic.

Lesson Summary

When learning to play the piano, it's crucial to recognize the unique characteristics of each finger and treat them accordingly to avoid developing bad habits. Here are some key points to remember:

• The thumb is the strongest but clunkiest finger. Minimize its movement and play softly to prevent imbalances or bumps in the sound.
• The index and middle fingers are the most capable and reliable. Use them for important notes and striking black keys, keeping them soft and agile.
• The ring and pinky fingers are the weakest but essential for playing high melody notes or bass parts. Give them extra attention to avoid imbalances and ensure good control.

Finger independence may not come immediately, but with practice and tackling new pieces, you will develop the ability to control each finger independently based on its unique characteristics.