Today I’ll be sharing 10 essential tips that would have saved me a ton of frustration when I first picked up the accordion. Whether you're just starting out or refining your technique, these insights will help you play more efficiently, speed up your progress and even help you avoid injuries!
1. Choose the Right Accordion
Your first accordion matters more than you think! My first was a 120-bass, 41-key "compact" model, which worked well until I upgraded to a full sized "professional" Roland FR-8X accordion—a fantastic instrument but way too large for my needs, especially size I had began standing and performing. I quickly learned that bigger isn’t always better. A 96-bass or even a 72-bass accordion can be just as effective and more comfortable to handle. If you’re transitioning from sitting to standing while playing, be mindful of the weight and size. And whatever you do, don’t start with an electric accordion! Electric accordions do not respond the same way that an acoustic accordion does and you will not learn proper bellow control, which is essetial for learning the accordion.
How to Choose the Best Beginner Accordion?
When searching for an accordion as a beginner, consider factors like size & weight, especially in regards to your physical size. Ask yourself questions like "What are my long term goals with the accordion?" and "Do I see myself eventually wanting to stand and perform as opposed to playing seated?" Many new players make the mistake of buying an accordion that is too big or unnecessary for where they're at in their journey. A 96-bass accordion or a 72-bass accordion often provides more than enough range without unnecessary bulk. Unfortunately these sizes are sometimes difficult to find within the used market since 120-bass accordions were more widely produced back in the golder era of the accordion.
Popular beginner models that are made today include the Hohner Bravo series, various models by Weltmeister and the Americana line by Petosa. Before purchasing, test out the accordion if possible, paying attention to how comfortable it feels against your body and how easy it is to control the bellows.
2. Adjust Your Straps Properly
Properly adjusted straps make a world of difference. Your left strap should be slightly tighter than the right. This positions the keyboard directly under your chin which will help your playing posture immensely. This alignment enhances comfort and playing efficiency. Also, always connect your back strap, especially while standing. I learned this the hard way, suffering years of shoulder pain from neglecting it.
Proper Accordion Strap Adjustment
One of the most overlooked aspects of learning the accordion is strap positioning. A poorly adjusted strap can lead to shoulder pain, poor posture, and difficulty reaching keys and buttons. If your straps are too loose, the accordion will shift while playing, making it harder to maintain consistent technique. Look for padded, adjustable straps to maximize comfort and prevent strain during long practice sessions.
If you are looking to add a back strap to your existing accordion straps, check out this video. Or if you would like to purchase a good cheap pair of straps that include a back strap, I would reccomend these.
3. Maintain Good Posture
Don’t make the mistake of slouching on the couch or sitting on the edge of your bed while playing. Instead, sit on a firm chair with an upright posture, shoulders pulled back, and chest open. Avoid leaning your shoulder into the accordion, as it can cause long-term strain. If you develop good posture early on, you’ll avoid injuries and play more comfortably for longer periods.
4. Use Proper Finger and Arm Placement
When I first began playing the accordion, I initially played with my right elbow tucked in, which restricted movement. Instead, keep your elbow out, letting it hinge naturally. Your hand should be slightly curved as if holding a tennis ball, using the tips of your fingers rather than the pads for better accuracy and control. For the bass buttons, attack the buttons from the top down, again, usings the tips of your fingers rather than the pads. You can use the pads of your fingers for searching, which will be helpful in finding your marked bass buttons. Mastering this technique early will prevent unnecessary tension and mistakes.
Best Hand Position for Playing the Accordion
Accordion hand placement is essential for speed, accuracy, and long-term comfort. If your fingers are too flat, you’ll struggle to transition smoothly between notes. By keeping your hands slightly curved, you improve dexterity and reduce hand fatigue. Many professional accordionists recommend practicing scales and finger exercises daily to strengthen finger independence.
5. Learn from Multiple Sources
When I started, I relied solely on ear training. While this method works, combining it with reading sheet music provides a more comprehensive approach. A great beginners resource that I would recommend is the Palmer-Hughes Accordion Course. If you prefer a more intuitive approach of figuring the instrument out on your own, I’ve created a free accordion chord chart (available on the homepage of my site) to help beginners navigate the accordion more easily. If you enjoy using that, I've created a full “Learn the Accordion” kit, including other charts to help you along your journey.
6. Find a Teacher
While self-teaching yourself the accordion is possible, having a teacher will drastically accelerate your progress. I didn't seek out lessons until over a decade later and I quickly realized that I made a big mistake! Even a few guided sessions will help correct bad habits before they become ingrained. If you're looking for lessons, I offer them through Patreon!
7. Use a Metronome
Rhythm is crucial for any musician. I played for years without a metronome, relying on my internal timing. When I finally started using one, my sense of rhythm improved dramatically. Start slow—painfully slow—and gradually increase the tempo. You’ll be amazed at how much more precise your playing becomes. I prefer using the traditional "mechanical" styled metronomes as opposed to the digital ones because of the audible difference; you can hear the clicks and bell rings more clearly over your accordion that digital beeps coming out of a small speaker. I'd highly recommend this one!
8. The Counter Bass Minor Hack
Struggling with large jumps on the bass buttons? Here’s a game-changer: instead of making a big leap to minor chords within the chord family, play them use the counter bass row. This technique makes transitions smoother, keeps your overall button grouping tighter and is a must-know for accordionists, especially beginners. I've made an entire video on the subject that will show you exactly how to do it.
9. Jam with Other Musicians
The accordion is a complete instrument—you’ve got melody, bass, and rhythm all in one. Because of this, I've made the mistake of rarely playing with other musicians, and that was a huge oversight. Playing with others helps you develop timing, improvisation skills, and a better understanding of music as a whole. Start jamming with other musicians early on and you'll see quite a diffenece.
10. Document Your Progress
I wish I had started a YouTube channel earlier to record my progress. There are so many songs I used to know that I’ve forgotten over time. Even if you don’t want to share your videos publicly, record yourself. Watching past performances is a great way to track improvement, identify mistakes, and stay motivated.
Final Words of Encouragement
Learning the accordion is challenging, but the rewards are magical. There’s nothing quite like feeling the resonance of the reeds against your chest as you play. Stick with it, and you will be very happy that you did.
If you found this helpful, leave a comment below, share your own progress, or check out my Patreon for lessons and giveaways. Until next time, Squeeze & Thanks for tuning in!
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