Proper left hand technique

[QuaverRest]

May I first say, my apologies in advance for the (most likely!) constant barrage of questions coming from my direction...

I am currently writing an arrangement of the Danny Elfman composition written for the Beetlejuice film score. I'm not having any trouble with the harmony in terms of locating the bass notes and chords in the left hand, but I was wondering if anyone can shed light on established fingering patterns for the left hand buttons for alternating bass notes with chords? Perhaps there are some studies I can umm.. study?

I don't want to get into any bad habits, and if theres one thing I know for certain having gone through the learning process of some 10 or so instruments, there are *always* rookie mistakes and assumptions made that while enabling one to play simple pieces in the short term, can lead to serious problems later down the line as one develops the need for greater technical proficiency!

 

[Puxto]

A couple of starter lessons would be ideal to get you going in the right direction, but if that's not an option youtube is your next best thing. I've spent a lot of time searching and studying videos of many different players and teachers, and eventually you tend to build up a picture of whats right and wrong and what works best for you. For the basic "oom pah pah" waltz technique there are different preferences but generally speaking the root notes are played with the middle finger or ring finger, or both alternating, whilst the index finger plays the major or minor (etc) chords. That's probably not a very good explanation though and I'm by no means an expert though being mostly self taught so id check out some videos..
One thing that seems fairly universal though and helps develop sensitivity is to get into the habit of the "hot button" technique, which simply means tapping the bass buttons lightly and quickly as if they were hot, making short quick stabs rather than booming bass notes. This can feel a little unsatisfying at first because when you have a new box you just want to make noise and hear the bass, but is worth keeping in mind as you start to progress, as it in the long term it will develop more control and delicacy and the ability to emphasis the stronger notes when needed.
Also the sooner you can develop good bellows technique the better, its hard to focus on that at first along with all these keys and buttons, but as many folks will tell you its better to get good technique early on than have to change your habits later. It took me a good couple of years to even work out what good technique is! When I finally did, it was less complicated than I'd thought and id been over-analyzing it.. its all about just learning to play it smooth, practice changing the bellows direction seamlessly and effortlessly, and try it at different places in a phrase and see how it affects it, its very much about the feel of it. If it feels jerky and awkward it will sound it too.
With all that, as well as getting comfortable with the thing, its a lot to take in and think about. So first and foremost have fun, and the rest will gradually come. You have the enthusiasm and far more music theory knowledge than myself, so I'm pretty sure you'll work it out quite quickly, and then put us all to shame :lol: :ch

 

[Puxto]

I am still a complete amateur though, just a few years in myself, so not really qualified to advise but as someone else who is mostly self taught am keen to help, as I remember feeling pretty overwhelmed by it at first, or rather by my lack of knowledge about it. Can be almost a little intimidating as instruments go, with so many aspects to consider, but its not so scary, once you've tamed it! {}

 

[QuaverRest]

Thanks guys! I'd never heard of the hot button concept, and I'm very glad you pointed it out, as I have been doing exactly as you describe..! The bass notes sound incredible, and I am guilty of holding on to them longer than I ought to I think this probably stems from playing organ music, where the notes are inherently at their fullest and most prominent from the word go due to the nature of the instrument.

The bass notes on the accordion are so much more satifying, but they detract from the treble keys. Am I right in thinking they drain power from the bellows, making the treble keys more difficult to sound, or could this be the result of playing on a wonderfully charming but rather low quality (compared to the big names!) instrument?

 

[fjsys]

So there are two schools of bass hand fingering.
You have the 4 on the bass 3 on the cord or you have the 3 on the bass and the 2 on the cord. After you advance far enough it doesn't matter, but to start pick one and stick with it.
They both have merit, however 4/3 seems to be the current style for new students.
I still use 3/2 b/c my teacher started me with it. I just recently learned why. He feels it stretches the ligaments between the 2nd and 3rd finger. However most of the music I play anymore requires all 4 fingers, and sometimes on a diminished a thumb. A lot of jazz style chords require the 4th and 5th to be used.

I enjoy longer bass as well, and will even hold the bass down for the entire 3 counts of a waltz playing the chords on top of the bass. One thing you must remember is that it sounds different to the audience then it does to you sitting behind it.
It does take more air (bellows) to play the longer bass, but with a well balanced accordion and a good arm there really isn't a drain on the treble. However on your parrot it may, and there is nothing wrong with that.

What I suggest is to ask your significant other if the bass is overpowering the melody and take it from there. (get her involved) Otherwise start recording yourself and see if you like what you hear from an audience perspective.

I really recommend finding a teacher for at least a couple of lessons, it will really help in the long term.
Good Luck
Ben

 

[donn]

It's probably worth mentioning at this point that the numbering system here makes your first finger "2". The thumb is "1".

 

[Puxto]

Yeah, don't let the hot button thing put you off enjoying the bass though, that's totally natural at first! And the rules aren't fixed, different songs have a different feel of course so if you want to boom it then by all means do! You don't have to be too strict but its a good excercise to keep in mind when practising, just to develop sensitivity and it becomes more satisfying and benificial a little later on I think when you've developed a bit, and play more delicate pieces etc.

 

[fjsys]

Its probably worth mentioning at this point that the numbering system here makes your first finger 2. The thumb is 1.

Thanks Don, forgot to mention that thumb is 1 and index is 2.

 

[Pietro]

QuaverRest, you really ought to have some lessons. There are many techniques to learn on the accordion and the hot button one only works with certain kinds of music. There are many musical genres where it definitely doesn't and as a serious music student you would benefit greatly from the advice of an expert.

Pete

 

[QuaverRest]

QuaverRest, you really ought to have some lessons. There are many techniques to learn on the accordion and the hot button one only works with certain kinds of music. There are many musical genres where it definitely doesnt and as a serious music student you would benefit greatly from the advice of an expert.

Pete

I agree fully Im currently taking violin lessons which is as far as my budget will stretch at the moment, but Im hoping for an influx of guitar and ukulele students soon, as I have been invited by Cranes music of Cardiff to do some recording sessions at their studio for their website- and that money will go straight to accordion lessons!

I like to try to work out as much as I can about an instrument before I seek lessons. I enjoy the challenge, but as you quite rightly say, there is no substitute for the advice of an expert

 

[JIM D.]

I most certainly agree with Pietro on seeking some lessons on basic accordion techniques. Learning improper use and control if a musical instrument will be difficult to correct in the future. The great jazz artist Dizzy Gillespie when he was young, learned without training,the improper way to blow into the trumpet. Dizzy is a fine entertainer but, to this day he has never able to overcome this bad technique as can be seen here --

 

[QuaverRest]

Ahh yes he ruptured his masseter and buccinator muscles as I recall.. I took a Jazz history module in my music degree and found that quite shocking. The weird thing is the same story came up in a lecture in my current diagnostic radiography degree.. He seems to be making the rounds in degree courses

I really do understand your point- to begin with I was pulling the bellows out horizontally and suffered quite severe pain in my wrist, until someone on this forum kindly pointed out my error, and the pain has subsided hurt like hell though!!

Now the only pain is that which my partner feels as I clumsily fumble around the bass buttons, but hopefully that will improve in time.. She tells me that my violin and banjo don't seem as loud and penetrating now.. What love and support, haha!