How to Choose the Right Fingering for Your Piano Pieces

Choosing the right fingering for piano music is one of the most essential steps in learning to play musically. It’s not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about playing them in a way that feels natural, fluid, and expressive. 

Unlike other aspects of piano playing, fingering is not an exact science. It requires careful consideration, trial and error, and sometimes even personal adaptation. This guide breaks down the process into five clear steps, plus a bonus tip, to help you master this crucial skill.

Step 1: Start with What’s in the Score

The first step when choosing fingering is to look at the suggestions written in the score. These numbers, placed above or below certain notes, are recommendations from the editor. The editor is typically an expert in piano technique and has thoughtfully included fingerings to make the piece more accessible.

If your score doesn’t include fingering, don’t worry. You can often find alternate editions of the same piece with fingerings included. Websites like IMSLP.org can be invaluable for locating editions that might better suit your needs.

When examining these recommendations, remember they are guidelines, not rules set in stone. Play through the suggested fingerings and notice how they feel under your hands. If they don’t feel natural or cause unnecessary strain, consider adjusting them to better suit your hand shape and size.

Additionally, keep in mind that repeated patterns in music often follow the same fingering, even if it isn’t explicitly written out. If a fingering is missing for a repetitive section, it’s safe to assume you can reuse the previous pattern.

Step 2: Explore at Least Two Options

If no fingerings are provided—or the suggested ones don’t work for you—create your own. But don’t settle on the first option you try. Challenge yourself to come up with at least two different fingerings.

This exercise forces you to think creatively and to weigh the pros and cons of different approaches. For example, in Robert Schumann’s Foreign Lands and People, one might first experiment with a fingering like 5-1-5-1-5-1-5, only to realize it’s too jumpy and disrupts the melody. A second attempt, perhaps 2-5-4-3-2, might feel smoother and more natural.

Testing multiple options not only helps you identify the best choice but also deepens your understanding of the music and your technique.

Step 3: Context Is Key

The fingering that feels perfect in isolation might fall apart when placed in the context of the entire piece. Always consider what comes before and after the section you’re working on.

For instance, a fingering that works well for a single measure might make transitions between phrases awkward or disrupt the flow of the melody. Zooming out and examining how the passage fits into the larger piece will help you select fingerings that promote continuity and ease.

Step 4: Prioritize Musicality

Fingering isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about serving the music. Your choices should support legato phrasing, dynamic contrast, and overall expressiveness.

To achieve a beautiful balance, the melody must remain smooth and prominent, while the accompaniment stays light and unobtrusive. Using a fingering that places melody notes under stronger fingers (like the second or third) can help you naturally voice them louder, while weaker fingers handle the softer accompaniment.

If a fingering disrupts the musicality—perhaps by making legato phrasing impossible or putting too much strain on weaker fingers—it’s worth rethinking your approach.

Step 5: Write It Down

Once you’ve chosen the fingering that works best, commit to it by writing it into your score. Consistency is key to mastering a piece, and your brain learns faster when it can rely on a solid, repetitive foundation.

If you change your fingering every time you sit down to practice, your hands—and your memory—will struggle to adapt. Instead, writing down your decisions allows you to approach the music the same way every time, reinforcing muscle memory and building confidence.

Bonus Tip: Practice Scales, Chords, and Arpeggios

A great way to improve your fingering skills overall is to regularly practice scales, chords, and arpeggios. These fundamental patterns are found in countless pieces of music, and becoming comfortable with their standard fingerings gives you a reliable toolkit to draw from when working on new repertoire.

You don’t need to dedicate hours to this practice. Even five minutes per session can help you build familiarity and confidence. Resources like Alfred’s Basic Scales, Chords, and Arpeggios Book provide clear guidance and are excellent for developing this skill.

To see how this method works using Schumann’s Foreign Lands and People for demonstration, check out the full length tutorial on the YouTube channel where you’ll see this practice in action. 👇🏻