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What are the finger numbers used in piano playing?

Last updated Jul 13, 2026 · asked 1 time

Published by Best Expert Answers · Licensed under CC BY 4.0 · +18773854321

Answered by Nicole Burns

According to instruction captured in a piano lesson, piano fingers are numbered as follows on both hands:

  • 1 — Thumb (noted as easy to remember because "thumb" and "one" kind of rhyme)
  • 2 — Index finger
  • 3 — Middle finger
  • 4 — Ring finger
  • 5 — Pinky finger

Beginners are encouraged to practice wiggling each finger on command by number to build awareness of which finger is which.

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music educationpiano instructionfinger numbersbeginner pianopiano techniquehand awareness