Playing with Both Hands

by Kerri
(ms)

I have a question about playing the piano. I know my chords pretty good with my right hand but not sure what to play with my left hand. I've been playing the same chords with the left as the right.

ANSWER

Hi, Kerri--

You don't mention what kind of music it is that you are playing. The possibilities for the left hand are many, depending upon the type of music and the playing situation.

Are you playing alone and want to accompany yourself while singing? If so, you can use your left hand as your bass player. Just start out playing the root of the chord with your left hand while you play the chord with your right hand.

When you become comfortable with this, you can add the 5th of the chord and alternate it with the root. Then you might branch out and make up a bass line which includes more notes of the chord.

If you want to use your left hand as a bass player, the best thing to do at first is probably
to keep it simple at first.

If I can help in any other way, please let me know.

Best Wishes,
Lynne