I’m right-handed and enjoyed learning to play with my dominant hand first. I then worked my way to using my non-dominant hand to play a simple “anchor” that held the beat within my L. It took practice before I was ready to move both hands equally fast. Being right-handed, I like to call my right-hand “the dance hand” while my left is “the metronome hand.”
Admittedly, being self-taught, I don’t have the best fingering or wrist technique, and I would encourage you to learn better habits. If you’re interested, check out Tim Stein on Pianist Magazine’s amazing YouTube channel.
Also, as you’re starting out, hold down the rightmost foot pedal: it will keep notes “in the air” longer as you practice patterns, providing you more time to explore.
Navigate the DLGPM Video Series
- Introduction to the Pattern Method
- The DLGPM Chart: L-Pattern Basics
- Example: The Cameraman
- Piano Basics: “Floors,” Keys and Families of Notes
- Examples of Patterns on the Piano
- Improvisation Examples: Blend Creation With Practice
- Improv Technique: Anchor and Dance Hands <—
- Two-Handed Improvisations on Every Floor
- Play With Others In A Pattern!
- Using the Pattern Method with a Classical Song: Gymnopédie No.1 by Erik Satie
- Play with Someone on a Different Instrument
- Pattern Method Transitions
- Using the Pattern Method with a Classical Song: Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig Beethoven
- Ideas
- Closing
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