Piano fingering - how? #1

Thumb, Index, ring. But do what's comfortable for you. I also find thumb, middle, and pinky comfortable as well as index, ring, and pinky. Also the context will guide your fingering, where do you have to go to after that....

 

Hmmm, it sounds like how you are sitting might be an issue. I can only guess from reading text.

Try this. (I am assuming you are using a real, and full sized keyboard)

Stand up, and when you sit at the piano have your gut (belly button) line up with middle C. That's a general "101" sitting position.
Try that chord again.

Awkward ?

I am trying to see if it is the reach that is the issue, or the fingering. For myself with that chord, and the sitting position I described, my right hand does not even need to go as far as my left leg. (no jokes)

It sounds like you are having to use more energy than needed. Let me know !

 

I suppose the "best" fingering will really depend on what comes before or after it. Taken as it is, the best fingering is the one that is the most comfortable and gives you maximum control and reliability of striking the notes the way you want. Not to be obtuse.

Personally, my brainless-impulse-play fingering on that is 1-2-4 like David. But 2-3-5 is also extremely comfortable and it's exactly what I'd play if I wanted my thumb free. That or 1-2-3. If the notes that followed were below the F# that's what I would play. If the next notes were above the C#, I'd play it as 1-2-4 or 1-2-3. I'd never play it as 1-3-5 which to me is cramped and, channeling Mike for a moment, you're blowing your wad in both directions with no easy way to pivot.

I'm sitting with middle C directly centered to my chest. It's a slight reach with my right hand but nothing I feel fussed about.

 

Word(s) of advice:

Be careful with your posture and technique as well Jeff.. better to learn correctly in the first place and save yourself some trouble down the line!
Also, make sure your keyboard is at the proper height, and indeed nothing is getting in the way of your hands

_T.j.

 

That brings back memories.

When I was younger I was trained classically, and the fingering for scales and arpeggios was not up for discussion. Some of the fingering did not feel natural at first, but it was drilled into me and my hands eventually started doing as they were told rather than what they wanted.

It seems to have done the job though, as I never really have to think about it now, My hands just seem to naturally select the most comfortable pattern all by themselves, and a pattern that sets you up for the next notes.

Story of my life......

 

What benefit does 1-3-5 have over say 1-2-4 for tight chromatic motion? In either case you're relying on your wrist and forearm to do the work rather than finger movements, aren't you? (I am, at least.)