A simple guide to piano posture, sitting position and hand position for beginners.
It might sound obvious that most people aren’t going to play the piano with their feet and toes, but there are certain ways in which we sit and play the piano that can make a big difference to how comfortable we are when playing.
When you’re first learning, you probably don’t think too much about how you’re sitting. You just sit down and start playing. And to a certain extent, that’s fine. You don’t want to become obsessed with every little movement you make.
However, there are a few simple things you can do when sitting at the piano that can help you stay relaxed, avoid unnecessary tension and make playing a little easier.
So, let’s take a look at some of the basics.
Where Should You Sit at the Piano?
The first thing to think about is where you’re actually sitting.
You want to be facing roughly the middle of the keyboard rather than sitting too far towards the left or right.
This gives you access to the whole keyboard and makes it much easier to move from the lowest notes to the highest notes.
You don’t want to sit so close to the piano that you’re cramped up against it, but you also don’t want to be so far away that you’re stretching to reach the keys.
A good starting point is to sit so that your knees are roughly underneath the beginning of the white keys.
You should also be able to move naturally from side to side as you play. When you need to reach the other end of the keyboard, try moving your body rather than twisting your back.
Remember, though, there isn’t one exact position that will work for everybody. We’re all different heights, we have different arm lengths and different sized hands, so your position may need to be adjusted to suit you.
How High Should You Sit at the Piano?
The height of your piano stool or bench is also important.
You want your arms to feel comfortable when your hands are resting on the keys. As a general starting point, your forearms should be around the height of the keyboard or slightly above it.
If you’re sitting too low, your forearms will be below the level of the keys and you’ll have to work against gravity.
If you’re sitting too high, you’ll end up with an awkward angle between your hands, wrists and arms.
So, if your piano stool is adjustable, spend a little time finding a height that feels comfortable.
You don’t need to obsess over getting it to an exact measurement. The important thing is that your arms, wrists and hands can move naturally without you feeling tense.
Sit Straight, But Stay Relaxed
When I say “sit correctly”, I don’t mean that you need to sit there like a soldier!
Try to sit upright but relaxed, with your shoulders down and your body comfortable.
You may find that leaning slightly forward feels more natural when you’re playing. That’s perfectly fine.
The important thing is that you’re not constantly slouching or holding your body rigidly in one position.
Your body should be able to move with the music.
What Should You Do With Your Feet?
Your feet should be comfortably supported on the floor.
Your right foot or left foot can be slightly forward depending on what feels natural and, of course, which pedals you’re using.
If you’re playing a digital piano or keyboard without pedals, don’t worry too much about your feet. Just make sure you’re sitting comfortably and aren’t balancing yourself awkwardly.
Relax Your Arms and Shoulders
One of the easiest things to do before playing is simply to check for tension.
Are your shoulders raised?
Are your arms stiff?
Are you gripping the keys?
If you are, stop for a moment and relax.
You can even shake your arms, hands and wrists for a few seconds before you start playing. This can help release some of the tension and get you feeling more comfortable.
The aim is not to force your body into a particular position. It’s to find a position where your body can work naturally.
What Should Your Hands Look Like?
Once you’re sitting comfortably, we can think about your hands.
When you’re first learning, your fingers should generally be slightly curved rather than completely flat.
One simple way of thinking about this is to imagine that you’re holding a small ball or orange in the palm of your hand.
Your fingers naturally curve around the shape, and the pads or tips of your fingers rest lightly on the keys.
Your wrists should also feel relaxed and generally stay in line with your forearms.
You don’t want your wrists dropping below the level of the keys, as this can create unnecessary tension.
Don’t Lift Your Fingers Too High
Another common thing beginners do is lift their fingers much higher than necessary between notes.
It might feel as though you’re being more precise, but lifting the fingers too high can actually create tension and make it harder to play quickly.
Keep your fingers relatively close to the keys and allow the movement to become smaller and more natural as you play.
There is a time and place for deliberately lifting the fingers when you’re practising certain exercises, but when you’re simply playing, you generally don’t need exaggerated movements.
Don’t Worry If It Feels Awkward
When you first sit at a piano and try to use your hands correctly, it can feel very strange.
You might think, “What on earth am I supposed to do with my fingers?”
Don’t worry.
Your hands and fingers aren’t used to making these movements yet, so it’s completely normal for everything to feel awkward at first.
As you spend more time playing, your movements will gradually become more natural.
Don’t Become Obsessed With Perfect Technique
This is probably one of the most important things I can tell you.
There is a lot of information online about “perfect” piano posture and technique, and it’s very easy to start analysing every tiny movement you make.
Don’t.
Good technique is important, but you also need to actually play the piano.
Your technique will develop and become more refined as you play more. If you’re constantly thinking about exactly where every finger, wrist, elbow and shoulder is supposed to be, you can end up making playing more difficult rather than easier.
Your body is also different from everybody else’s.
Someone with long arms and large hands isn’t necessarily going to sit exactly the same way as someone with shorter arms and smaller hands. The goal is to find a comfortable and efficient position that works for you.
Your own technique will naturally adapt as you become more experienced.
What If My Hands Hurt?
If you’re new to playing piano, your hands may feel a little tired or awkward at first.
However, you shouldn’t simply play through pain.
If you experience pain in your hands, fingers, wrists, arms or back, stop playing and take a break.
If pain continues or is significant, it’s worth getting appropriate professional advice rather than trying to play through it.
The aim of good posture and technique is to help you play comfortably, not to make you feel as though you’re fighting against your own body.
A Quick Piano Posture Checklist
Before you start playing, take a few seconds to check:
Are you sitting roughly in the middle of the keyboard?
Are you sitting at a comfortable distance?
Are your feet supported comfortably?
Are your shoulders and arms relaxed?
Are your forearms at a comfortable height?
Are your wrists relaxed?
Are your fingers naturally curved rather than rigid?
And finally…
Are you actually enjoying playing?
If the answer to that last question is yes, you’re doing pretty well!
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to make sitting at the piano more complicated than it needs to be.
Sit comfortably, stay relaxed, give yourself enough room to move, and allow your arms, wrists, hands and fingers to work together.
As you continue learning, you’ll naturally develop better control and your technique will become more refined.
For now, don’t worry about trying to make every movement perfect.
Just sit down, relax, and play.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far should I sit from the piano?
You should sit far enough away that your arms and hands can move freely without feeling cramped, but not so far away that you’re stretching to reach the keys. A good starting point is to sit with your knees roughly underneath the beginning of the white keys, then adjust from there.
How high should I sit at the piano?
Your forearms should be around the height of the keyboard or slightly above it, with your arms and wrists feeling comfortable and relaxed. The ideal height will vary depending on your height and body proportions.
Should my feet be flat on the floor when playing piano?
Ideally, your feet should be comfortably supported. Your right or left foot may be slightly forward depending on your playing position and whether you’re using the pedals.
Should my fingers be curved when playing piano?
As a general starting position, yes. Your fingers should be naturally curved rather than completely flat or rigid. Imagine you’re holding a small ball in the palm of your hand.
What should I do if my hands hurt while playing piano?
Stop playing and take a break. Some initial awkwardness or mild tiredness can happen when you’re learning, but you shouldn’t ignore persistent or significant pain.
Do I need perfect posture to learn piano?
No. Good posture is useful because it can help you stay comfortable and move freely, but don’t become obsessed with trying to hold your body in one perfect position. Your technique will develop and change as you gain experience.