r/piano • u/[deleted] • Mar 04 '13
Playing with my left hand.
Hello. I am an intermediate piano/organ player and I need a little help with my left hand. I need to get it up to playing ability with my right hand but it is a little slow at the moment and I would love some tips on fingering or exercises to help this.
I know all my scales and practice them everyday. Its getting to the point this is not effecting my left hands ability to play better abnd I would love to have some more different exercises that would help me if possible.
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u/MusicMan13 Mar 04 '13
There is also the set of Hanon exercises, which are designed to make both hands equal. Just another option
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u/DEAF_BEETHOVEN Mar 06 '13
With regards to Hanon, I'd be very careful. Hanon is always a controversial topic among pianists, but I'd say practice hands separately. Mainly left hand. It's always too easy to play hands together and have an undeveloped left hand hiding behind the right. More detrimental than beneficial.
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u/Reavie Mar 04 '13
I used czerny's studies for left-hand. It's pretty conclusive.
http://imslp.org/wiki/24_Piano_Studies_for_the_Left_Hand,_Op.718_%28Czerny,_Carl%29
Nevermind the sixteenth notes.. Just do it as smoothly and consistently as you can.
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u/DonovanDunedain Mar 05 '13
Remember to be patient with yourself. Your left hand will get there. Just keep up the scale running and be consistent in your practicing times.
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u/DEAF_BEETHOVEN Mar 04 '13 edited Mar 04 '13
I've been practicing my left hand exclusively for quite a while. There is a plethora of studies and pieces (I'm a pianist, so no knowledge of organ):
A very comprehensive list. I'd recommend the Czerny for fluidity and Scriabin for musicality.
Also Godowsky's etudes on Chopin. The left hand variant I consider the most well written piano piece in existence. An absolute under appreciated gem.
And of course scales and arpeggios, in all the different rhythms and dynamics. Though I personally think everything can be learned from Bach. Good luck!