How Hard Is It To Learn Accordion To Beginners? Useful Tips Included

Some people desire to challenge themselves by playing a unique musical instrument. If that is your case, then accordion is also quite an interesting suggestion.

Nevertheless, how hard is it to learn accordion? This is a common issue of people who take up something new.

However, is learning to play the accordion truly as difficult as some people assume? How long can you play this instrument? Let’s read the article below to find the answer!

How Hard Is It To Learn Accordion

How Hard Is It To Learn Accordion? 

How hard is it to learn accordion? It is difficult to answer this question directly because learning is a process, and it depends on various factors.

However, we assert that learning and playing the kind of instrument is not too challenging. The average time it takes to learn to play this tool is from 3 to 4 months.

It depends on how hard and regular you practice every day. Moreover, you must get your fingers to move freely and flexibly on the keyboard.

In case you can find an accordion professor, that would be great. Any study with a teacher is better than self-study.

If you make mistakes, the instructor will help you point them out and correct them right away. Therefore, your learning process will be more efficient and easy and this will encourage you to enjoy learning more.

However, not everyone can afford to pay for a musical instructor. Furthermore, the accordion does not seem to be as popular with other instruments such as piano or violin, so the possibility of finding an accordion mentor is quite low.

For the above reasons, we recommend that you study on your own. Here we will give you some suggestions to help you learn this instrument more easily.

Choose the right accordion for beginners

Accordion for novices

The first important thing to reduce the difficulty of learning a new instrument is choosing and buying the right tool for beginners. The suitable accordion will fit your height, your musical style, and your budget as well.

Exceptionally, it is also an easy-to-play instrument. This means it should have fewer keys and buttons so you do not get confused.

In case you do not know which model to pick out, we have already listed excellent easier-to-play types of accordions for you to refer to here.

Get to know your new accordion

You should be familiar with the structure of the accordion first. If you find it difficult to distinguish or remember the parts of this kind of instrument, you can check out more on reputable musical instrument websites or check out the reviews on youtube.

Learn how to hold an accordion properly

Most newbies do not know how to hold an accordion properly. Some like to play the accordion while standing, but this posture can make them get tired easily, especially with a heavy accordion.

The correct way to hold the accordion is to put it on your chest with the keys/buttons far away from you. You can remain in this position by using the accordion straps.

The most important thing is to pick a position that enables you to easily handle your instrument while you feel relaxed.

Whether you play the accordion while sitting or standing, always pay attention not to droop as this can cause inaccurate tones for your performance.

Moreover, you should make sure that the straps are tight enough so that your accordion won't slide while you are playing. However, they are also loosened enough so that the blood on your shoulders can circulate.

If you sit down while playing the accordion, you must choose a seat so that your feet can touch the ground. In this way, you are able to control the accordion keyboard while playing.

Learn how to start playing the accordion correctly

playing correctly

First, your right wrist should be parallel to the keyboard. You have to avoid the common mistake: flexing your right wrist excessively. It may be difficult to follow this pose initially, but the key to success is regular practice.

Next, place your left hand between the strap and the bass buttons. In this step, you can freely scroll your fingers in this position to create harmony among the bass buttons.

Then, push the air valve button, which is near the bass buttons and the strap. When pushing, you will hear a screeching noise, which results from the air entering the bellows and the accordion.

After that, gently push the bass buttons and pull on the yelour blows. You should place your index finger on the C note while your thumb is on the C chord.

Remember to press these two buttons alternately during pulling on the bellows. Also, it is important that you incorporate the main buttons while playing the bass ones.

Practice short exercises as frequently as possible

Right from the start of playing a new instrument, you will quickly become frustrated if you play long tracks. Instead,  let’s begin by playing shorter ones, but focus on practicing regularly.

The purpose of this act is to make your fingers more flexible, and you will understand the structure of the accordion.

Maintain your accordion correctly 

To increase the longevity of your accordion, spend some time learning how to preserve it properly.

Remember to always keep the instrument in a place that is warm and dry enough, neither too hot nor too cold, as some instruments are made of wood.

When transporting an accordion, you also carefully handle it to prevent it from falling. It is necessary to equip your accordion with a case to avoid scratches or reduce the chance of being broken when being dropped.

What Are Some Easier-to-learn Types Of Accordions? 

When mentioning accordion, there are two main categories: piano accordion and button accordion. The principal difference between a button and a piano accordion is the keyboard.

This means the right-hand side of the device can be constructed of keyboard-like keys. Alternatively, they can be made up of the same buttons as the left side of an accordion.

For newbies, it's essential to learn and classify accordion types. This act aims to assist them in distinguishing and finding out the most suitable accordion to them. This will help them feel easier to play and enhance their motivation.

If you are a new accordionist, here comes three easier-to-learn types of accordion for you to refer to before deciding to make a purchase.

They are similar in a long-lasting, lightweight design and affordable price. Below are button and piano accordion types that you can consider.

Types of the accordion

Beginner Accordion, 22-key 8 Bass Piano Accordion

This kind of accordion is super lightweight and compact at 7.61 pounds because it is made of maple wood. Also, it owns 22 keys and eight bass buttons.

As its name suggests, this accordion is easy and simple to play thanks to flexibility. Therefore, it is suitable for both beginners and practitioners in helping them to develop musical talent and promote their sense of rhythm.

Hohner 3100GB Panther Diatonic Button Accordion

Another great choice for new players is the Hohner 3100GB Panther Diatonic with 8.5 pounds. It has 12 bass/chord keys, 31 treble keys, and two sets of treble reeds to give you a rich, powerful accordion tone. This is perfect for newbies or even experienced ones who pursue fusion styles.

Hohner Panther G/C/F 3-Row Diatonic Accordion 3100GB - Black Bundle with Hohner Strap, Mini Harmonica, Juliet Music Polish Cloth & Piano Key Stickers
  • Matte Black and only in the key of GCF a double set of treble reeds
  • Comfortable weight and easy playing make this 31 treble key, 12 bass/chord button Hohner Panther

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 04:49 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Hohner Accordions BR48R-N 26-Key Piano Accordion

This item is heavier than the two previous models, but it still ranks on the list of easy-to-learn and light piano accordions. It measures 15 pounds in weight with 26 keys, 48 bass buttons, two treble registers, and adjustable textile straps.

When possessing the piano accordion, you will have many opportunities to develop the many musical styles you desire to pursue, such as Jazz, Traditional, Tango, Latin, and more.

These are the three varieties of accordions that are rated the most easiest-to-play and fit for amateurs. Let’s choose the sort you love and match the music style you define.

Hohner Accordions BR48R-N 26-Key Piano Accordion, 48 Bass, Red
  • Tremolo Tuning, 26 keys, range B-C, 2 treble registers, 48 bass buttons, 4 voices, keyboard length 12.75-Inch
  • Includes adjustable textile straps.

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 04:49 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Is The Structure Of The Accordion?

Structure

The difficulty level will increase if you do not have good knowledge of accordion parts. As mentioned earlier, knowing the accordion structure is necessary because it enhances the learning process.

Basically, an accordion consists of keys and buttons, bass button placement, bellows, reeds, and switches.

Keys and Buttons

Melodies are produced by squeezing the buttons or pushing the present keys on the right side of your accordion.

The button keys on the left side of the accordion are the ones that build the consistency you hear whenever you perform or listen to the accordion.

Bass Button Placement 

Most of the accordions apply the Bass Stradella System, which is considered the standard bass system.

The most common layout is 120 buttons arranged in 6 columns like C - G - D - A - E - B - F. Some smaller accordions have fewer lines or rows but have the same layout.

Bellows 

The bellows are the fundamental mechanism for articulation. In particular, they define the pronunciation of each note, including the length of the sound, the fading, and the control.

Their position is in the middle, connecting the bass casing and the treble.

In terms of material, they are usually made of cardboard and ruffled fabric, reinforced with leather and metal.

Air Valves

This is the section that allows you to release the air from the bellows without making any sound.

Switches 

They are on either side of the instrument's bellows. By pressing each of these switches, you can change the tone of the accordion. With the switch, controlling the sound and sound quality of your notes is getting easier.

Each switch is connected to a single reed block. By clicking on a switch opens a reed block, making it possible to play that particular octave.

What Are The Factors That Influence Learning Accordion?

How hard is it to learn accordion? In fact, the difficulty level of this instrument depends on many factors such as age, experience, study method, type of instrument, and regular practice.

What Are The Factors?

Age

What is the golden age to learn an instrument in general? In reality, everyone can learn to play the accordions whatever their age as long as they are passionate.

This is the advice of Composer John McDonald, the professor and chair of the Department of Music. So, if you are hesitant to play accordion at your age, just go for it!

Experience

Experience is an essential determinant in learning any new subject or field. Specifically, before learning the accordion, you already know how to play the piano; this is advantageous for you.

Consequently, your time to learn to master accordion will also be shortened compared to complete newbies.

Studying Methods

The learning method we mention here is self-study or mentoring. That would be great if you have your private accordion instructor.

If you do wrong, the teacher will point out the mistake and help you correct it immediately. So the study course will be shorter than usual.

However, as mentioned before, it is rather tough to find an accordion lecturer, and if you can find one, the tuition can be extremely expensive.

Choosing type of Accordion

From the outset, you should not choose challenging accordions or professional ones. The reason is this can make you discouraged.

So, let’s think about the easier-to-play accordion sorts for amateurs we have suggested above!

Practice

Without a doubt, a studious beginner who practices regularly will quickly master his accordion faster than lazy people.

If you want to be a professional accordionist, diligence and constant effort are the keys to your success.

Wrapping Up

How hard is it to learn accordion? This depends on a lot of factors we have mentioned in the article.

However, we would like to reaffirm that learning to master accordion is not too difficult. You can totally become an expert accordion artist as long as you have passion, effort, and daily practice.

Besides, we have already recommended tips to make your learning simpler and more joyful.

Thanks for reading, and see you in the next post!

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