Piano Accordions. These are the most popular kinds, with many of the capabilities of a regular piano (playing melodies, chords and basslines) in a highly portable size. They have between 25 and 45 piano-style treble keys on the right hand. On the left, they are equipped with a button keyboard with some buttons that play bass notes and some where a single button plays a three-note chord. This accordion system is called the Stradella, and typically has 120 bass buttons.

Melody Keys. These are keys on the keyboard part of the instrument. Bellows. These are the folds on the instrument that allow it to expand and contract, acting as the “lungs” for the instrument and creating the sound. Register Switches. These are buttons or tabs you press to change the tone of your accordion. There are usually register switches on the treble side for the piano keyboard and a second set for the bass buttons. The register switches can change the sound from deep and rich to high and thin. Air Valve. The air valve button allows air to escape, so you can open or close the bellows soundlessly. Right Hand Strap. This is the main strap of the instrument that allows you to secure it onto your chest. Some accordions have two straps for the chest.

Children should start with the lowest number of bass buttons, 12 bass and 25 treble keys. Teens and adults should start with a 48 bass accordion. This amounts to 48 bass buttons and 26 treble piano keys. The 48 bass Piano Accordion is very lightweight, and easy to use and handle. Plus, you can play lots of different music on it, which will make you want to hang on to it even if you outgrow it or progress to a larger instrument.

Note that there is usually a thumb wheel on the left side to adjust the strap. Make sure that your accordion fits tightly enough not to move at all while you move.

Note that if the back strap is too far down it alleviates weight from the shoulders, making the straps loose on top. This, in turn, causes your straps to move and slide. Keep the back strap higher up, or secure it diagonally. Remember that when the straps stay in place, so does your instrument.

This applies the right arm only.

Note that it’s important to use this air valve button when you open and close the bellows while they’re moving. Don’t press down on the keyboard while you’re opening and closing the bellows at thus point, as we are focusing on the bass buttons.

The term “chord” refers to the sound produced by a group of notes played together. Keep the bass buttons pressed for only a short time. Imagine they were on fire, and take your finger off quickly. This is called “staccato” playing.

Regardless of how many bass columns your accordion has, you’ll only be looking at the first two or three columns. If you have a small beginner accordion, there may be only one column of bass buttons and then columns of chord buttons. In contrast, a big 120 bass accordion has two columns of bass buttons and four chord columns. If you have a 120 bass instrument, the bass column second from the front is called the “fundamental bass”; it is your main bass column. For now, you don’t need to use the first column on your 120 bass section.

Try to pull the bellows smoothly for the best sound effect.

Expand the instrument’s bellows. Softly and evenly push it back together, and hold the 1st C key down. Keep pressing the note key while you change directions by pulling the instrument in opposite directions. Go to the next key, push in and pull apart. Jump to the next white keys one by one, and you have now played Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Si, Do (Also known as the notes C, D, E, F, G,A, B, C).

Coordination of both hands might seem a little difficult at first, so it’s important that you become very familiar with the necessary movements. Repeat the above exercise until you feel confident and can move on to more advanced songs.