Hi,

I`ve been playing the piano and wondering if it`s a good idea to use the little finger to play black notes on the piano? I hope some of you could please help me with your advice. I know that pianists would often use the pinky on a black key if playing block chords, but what about using the little finger to play a black key in a run of notes or a scale? Or say an *arpeggiated* block chord..like say Bb in root position with the left hand?

something I noticed about using the little finger on a black key is that it`s the weakest finger of the hand, and often doesn`t get a very good grip on the black keys.

I also noticed that when I start playing a descending scale fragment with the 5th finger on a black key, and if the next note is a white note to be played with the 4th finger, the 4th finger often lands in the space between the black keys. This may not be an ideal situation since getting caught up in the black keys may affect how smoothly or quickly I can play the scale fragment.

So should I generally avoid using the little finger on a black note when playing scale fragments or arpeggiated chords, or should I practice getting used to it? And if there are cases where I have no choice *but* to use the little finger on a black key, then how should I approach it and position the hand for the best efficiency of movement?

thanks

it is impossible to avoid playing with your little finger, so I would recommend doing finger exercises if you are finding it hard, I have never had this trouble so I am not really sure what is going wrong, just give it time and it will just become comfortable.

It`s not that hard do it.....I am only 17,self taught and never had a lesson in my life. My mother told me to finger exercises with my little finger and now I can do it without any trouble. (my mother is also self taught to. although it did take me a little bit to do it though coz when i was about 12 I had cut my intendent on my little finger which makes it alittle harder for me to do it...but i can do it now which is great.

oh yeah when u use ur little finger on scales and ur 5th(little) finger ends up on a black note....dont use ur 4th(ring)finger. use ur 1st(thumb)finger. Thats what i do..and it works for me.

You should be able to reach an octave with 1-4 fingering.