Can you play piano with small hands? This has been a topic of discussion among people for decades. Well, the good news is that size doesn’t matter when it comes to mastering this skill.
Despite the fact that piano playing requires deft precision and a larger-than-average hand span, there are plenty of resources available to help even those with smaller hands learn how to play piano successfully.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether can you play piano with small hands and look at approaches such as positioning and technique to make sure anyone with a small hand size can still become a great pianist.
We will also explore different types of keyboards that may be better suited for those with less than average-sized hands and provide some tips on how to partially or fully overcome any limitations the smallness of hands may pose while playing the piano.
Whether you’re brand new to playing or looking for ways to improve existing skills despite the constraints of smaller hands, read on to discover whether or not playing piano is still an option if you have small hands.
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Can you play piano with small hands?
The short answer is yes! Limitations due to hand size do not have to be a barrier to playing the piano. Though it may seem like a small detail, having smaller hands can come with its disadvantages when it comes to playing the piano.
The ability to reach across all octaves and play multiple notes at once is significantly limited in those with short fingers or a low hand span.
Nonetheless, there is no reason why someone with small hands cannot become an accomplished and competent pianist. With the right approach, tips and tricks, technique, and tools, anyone with small hands can enjoy playing the piano.
It is important to note that a lot of these strategies may require extra practice or dedication in order to master them but they will help even those with smaller hands become capable and confident musicians.
Though larger hands offer some advantages in terms of reach, it’s important to remember that how well one plays is determined by practice and technique rather than hand size.
If a person has smaller hands they can still become an excellent pianist with the right amount of dedication, effort, and guidance.
What are small hands and why does it matter when playing the piano?
The answer to this question depends on what size is considered “small”. Generally speaking, if your hand span is two octaves or less then it can be classified as having small hands.
Having small hands can make playing the piano a challenge because of the wide range and number of notes that have to be played with precision. However, there are a few methods and approaches that can be used to ensure playing the piano is still possible even if your hands are on the smaller side.
One approach may involve using a keyboard with larger keys, which will provide more space for your fingers to move freely between notes without having to stretch too far. Another option is to focus on developing proper technique and posture to maximize the potential of your small hands.
Finally, there are several piano exercises and drills designed specifically for those with smaller hands that can help build strength and dexterity in the fingers.
How to overcome any limitations that playing piano with small hands?
For those with small hands, there are a few techniques and strategies that can be used to make sure you’re still able to play the piano accurately and effectively.
– Positioning: When sitting at the keyboard, make sure your wrists are straight and that your arm is positioned in an ergonomic way so as not to strain it. Your elbows should also be slightly away from the keyboard.
– Technique: Your technique is one of the most important parts of playing the piano and you should make sure to use a light touch to maintain accuracy and speed when playing. Also, try to place your fingers directly on top of the keys and use only your fingertips when striking them.
– Instrument selection: Certain types of keyboards may be better suited for those with smaller hands than others. A keyboard piano (digital piano), or one with semi-weighted keys, could be a great option as they tend to have shorter key lengths and less resistance when pressed.
By using the right techniques, positioning, and instrument selection you can make sure that playing the piano with small hands is still an achievable goal. So don’t be discouraged if you have small hands – start learning today and see what great things you can achieve!
Recommend keyboard piano that is suited for those with small hands
The size of a piano keyboard is an important factor to consider when choosing one that works best for your hand span. For those with smaller hands, digital keyboards are often recommended as they tend to have shorter keys that require less stretching than their traditional acoustic counterparts.
In addition to having more compact keys, these types of keyboards also offer the advantage of having features such as weighted keys and adjustable key sizes, which allow for greater customization.
1. Yamaha P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano – Another great digital piano for those with small hands is the Yamaha P-125. This model features 88 weighted graded hammer action keys, making it a great choice if you want to develop your skills without feeling overwhelmed or put off by having a smaller hand span.
2. Yamaha P45 88-Key Digital Piano – The Yamaha P45 is an excellent digital piano for those with smaller hands. This model has 88-key graded hammer action weighted keys, which makes it perfect for anyone looking to develop their skills as a pianist. It also has a full range of sounds and voices to choose from, so you can really make the most out of the instrument.
3. Alesis recital pro – If you’re looking for a digital piano that is tailored to those with small hands, the Alesis Recital Pro digital piano is an excellent choice. It has 88 weighted hammer action keys and comes with a full range of sounds and voices, as well as 12 different built-in lessons to help you learn quickly and effectively.
In addition to regular digital keyboards, there are also mini keyboards available on the market specifically designed with small hands in mind. These keyboards typically have even shorter keys and a lower number of octaves to accommodate smaller hands.
Tips for playing piano for small hands and short fingers
1. Adjust your posture to reduce strain
The best way to play the piano with small hands is to make sure your hand position and posture are as comfortable as possible. This will help you to avoid fatigue and maintain a natural, relaxed grip on the keys.
2. Utilize different fingerings
Once you’ve adjusted your posture, the next step is to learn different fingerings that may be more suitable for those with small hands. This will allow you to play pieces with fewer notes and reduce strain on your hands.
3. Use a lighter touch
When playing piano, it’s important to use the correct amount of pressure when pressing down on the keys. A lighter touch is best with smaller hands, as it reduces the amount of effort required.
4. Use a metronome to practice
Finally, practicing with a metronome can help you develop coordination and technique in order to play more complex pieces. This will also help you build up strength and endurance over time to make playing easier and more enjoyable.
5. Arpeggiate (roll the chords)
Arpeggiating or rolling the chords is a great way to play more complicated pieces with small hands. It allows you to break down the music into smaller, easier-to-manage chunks and focus on playing one note at a time.
6. Invert the chord, if you can
Inverting the chord is another helpful technique for playing piano with small hands. This involves taking a two or three-note chord and rearranging it so that one of the notes is higher or lower than the other two. This will make it easier to reach those difficult-to-reach notes without having to contort your fingers too much.
7. Use an appropriate size keyboard
An appropriately sized keyboard will ensure that you can be comfortable and relaxed while playing, without overstretching or straining your hands. A smaller keyboard will allow you to reach all of the notes more easily and reduce strain on your hands.
It is also possible to find keyboards that are specifically designed for those with small hands, such as slimmed-down versions with fewer keys or a split keyboard which allows you to separate the left and right hand sides.
8. Omit the notes
For more complex pieces, some notes may be too difficult to reach with small hands. In this case, it is possible to omit these notes and still play a great version of the song. This will also give you an opportunity to focus on other aspects such as dynamics and articulation.
9. Choose a repertoire that right you
Finally, selecting a repertoire that is suitable for your hands is an important way to ensure success when playing piano with small hands. This will allow you to focus on building up your technique and agility, without having to worry about reaching notes that are too difficult.
Some piano exercises and stretches for small hands and short fingers
These are great ways to practice and strengthen your hands, especially if you’re struggling with some of the more difficult pieces. Also, there are certain techniques that can help make it easier to play a piece despite a smaller hand span.
For example, instead of using both of your hands to reach the same note, you can use your right hand to play a note while your left hand plays the next. This way, you can spread out the notes and chords while covering more ground by using both hands.
1. Finger stretches exercises
Finger stretches are essential for anyone with small hands and short fingers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to practice finger stretching exercises:
Step 1: Start by making a loose fist with your hand.
Step 2: Slowly spread out your fingers as much as you can, without straining them too much.
Step 3: Hold this position for 10 seconds.
Step 4: Gently close your fingers and return to the loose fist position.
Step 5: Repeat this exercise at least 5 times.
Finger stretches not only help you stretch and strengthen your hands, but they also help improve dexterity and coordination in small spaces which are essential when playing piano with smaller hands.
2. Finger lifts exercises
Finger lifts are an important part of learning piano and can help increase the strength in your hands. This exercise can be done on any type of keyboard, but for those with small hands, it is even more beneficial and effective.
Step 1: First, sit up straight at the piano with your feet firmly planted on the floor.
Step 2: Place your hands on the keyboard with your thumbs on the middle C.
Step 3: Lift your fingers one at a time from the keys, starting with your thumb and ending with your pinky.
Step 4: Repeat this for 10-15 times, or until you feel comfortable enough to increase the number of repetitions.
Step 5: Once you can do the finger lifts without any difficulty, try to increase the speed of your repetitions.
By doing this exercise regularly, you’ll improve your dexterity and hand strength which will make it easier for you to play even complex pieces with smaller hands.
3. Forearm rotations exercises
This exercise is designed to help you increase your reach when playing the piano. It involves several steps that can be broken down into three basic parts – warm-up, wrist circles, and finger stretches.
First, make sure to warm up by holding both arms out in front of you with palms facing up. Then rotate your wrists in a circular motion for about 10-20 seconds. After that, hold your arms out again and start doing finger stretches for about 15-30 seconds.
Finally, repeat the rotation of your wrists as well as the finger stretches until you feel comfortable with the motion. Doing this exercise on a regular basis can help improve your overall hand span when playing the piano and help make it easier for you to reach notes that may have initially been difficult due to your smaller hand size.
4. Wrist bend exercises
This exercise is meant to help focus on keeping your wrists flexible and relaxed.
Step 1: Sit straight with your feet flat on the floor and bring your hands up to shoulder height.
Step 2: Place one hand in front of the other and bend both of them at a 90-degree angle, making sure that your palms are facing each other.
Step 3: Now, move both hands back and forth in a circular motion, making sure you keep your wrists relaxed throughout the exercise.
Step 4: Finally, once done with the wrist bends, take a few moments to shake out your hands and arms for a few seconds before continuing on.
FAQs Of Can You Play Piano With Small Hands
1. Are small hands weak?
No, small hands are not necessarily weak. While some people may lack the strength or coordination to play certain chords on a keyboard, there are plenty of exercises and techniques available to help even those with smaller hands master basic piano playing skills.
However, it should be noted that having smaller hands can make certain pieces more challenging and lead to fatigue more quickly.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to make playing with small hands easier, such as using lighter touch when pressing the keys and adjusting your posture and hand placement on the keyboard.
2. What is considered small hands for a pianist?
When it comes to piano playing, hand size can vary significantly from individual to individual. Generally speaking, small hands are those that have a span of between 7 and 8 inches (17-20 cm) when measured from the thumb’s tip to the little finger’s tip. For comparison, an average adult hand usually measures around 9–10 inches (23-25 cm).
3. Is it harder to play piano if you have small hands?
The short answer is, not necessary. Yes, smaller hands mean that the player may have to put in more effort and practice to be able to reach some keys without stretching too far.
In addition, there are different types of keyboards that may be better suited for those with less than average-sized hands. These keyboards might have narrower keys or require less finger movement, making them easier to play.
Finally, there are various techniques and exercises that can help with developing the strength and dexterity needed for playing piano regardless of hand size. All these approaches will help you become a better pianist, even if you have small hands.
Conclusion
So, can you play piano with small hands? The answer is yes! With the right techniques and practice, anyone with smaller-than-average hands can become an excellent pianist. Make sure to choose a keyboard that suits your hand size and use proper positioning for maximum comfort.
Don’t forget to incorporate scales, chords, and other exercises into your practice routine to help you get the most out of each session. With these tips in mind, you’ll soon be playing piano like a pro.
Good luck and happy practicing!
