Unlock Left Right Hand Coordination on piano with these power practice methods

Unlock Left Right Hand Coordination on Piano with these 5 songs and power practice methods

By Brian Hughes

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of left right hand coordination on piano. As a pianist and drummer, I’ve discovered unique methods to enhance rhythm and coordination, helping you groove better and play more confidently. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these techniques will elevate your piano playing to new heights.

Left Right Hand Coordination on piano. The challenges and sollutions

Coordination between your left and right hands is fundamental to piano playing. It allows you to execute complex rhythms, maintain steady tempos, and add expressive nuances to your music. Many students, despite understanding chords and voicings, struggle with syncing their hands, especially when incorporating intricate rhythms.

Drumming Techniques to Enhance Left Right Hand Coordination on Piano

Whilst I was also learning piano, I spent years playing drums. This experience profoundly improved my sense of beat, rhythm, and coordination. Drumming exposes you to a variety of rhythms and grooves not typically encountered in classical piano music, especially from pop and rock genres.

The Left-Right-Together Method

One effective technique I’ve developed is the Left-Right-Together (L-R-T) method. This simple yet powerful approach breaks down rhythms into left-hand (L), right-hand (R), and hands-together (T) actions, making complex patterns more manageable.

How to Practice the L-R-T Method

1. Start Slow: Choose a simple rhythm and slow down the tempo.
2. Verbalize Actions: Say “left,” “right,” or “together” out loud as you play to reinforce the coordination.
3. Use a Drum Beat: Practice with drum beats instead of a metronome to make the exercise more engaging.
4. Gradually Increase Complexity: Introduce more complex rhythms and increase the tempo as you become comfortable.

Benefits of Using Drum Beats Over Metronomes

While metronomes are valuable tools, they can sometimes feel mechanical and uninspiring. Using drum beats offers several advantages:

• Engagement: Drum beats are more musically engaging and mimic real playing scenarios.
• Variety: They expose you to different styles and grooves, enhancing your rhythmic vocabulary.
• Practicality: Practicing with beats prepares you for playing with other musicians.

Many digital pianos come with built-in drum patterns. Alternatively, apps like Drum Genius or online resources on YouTube provide a plethora of drum tracks to practice with.

Practical Exercises and Song Examples

Getting Started with Simple Patterns

Begin with basic exercises to build your coordination foundation. Tap your knees or a table if you’re away from the piano. Here’s a simple exercise using the L-R-T method:

• Pattern: Together, Left, Right, Together
• Practice Tip: Repeat the pattern slowly, gradually increasing speed as you become more comfortable.

Applying Left Right Hand Coordination on piano to Popular Songs

Let’s apply these techniques to well-known songs. Practicing with familiar music makes learning more enjoyable and contextually relevant.

“Hey Jude” by The Beatles

A great song for beginners, “Hey Jude” has a straightforward rhythm that’s perfect for practicing coordination.

• Legend: T = Together, L = Left Hand
• Tip: Focus on maintaining a steady tempo while coordinating both hands.

“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

This song introduces a slightly more complex pattern, enhancing your coordination skills.

• Legend: T = Together, L = Left Hand
• Tip: Break down the rhythm into smaller sections if you find it challenging.

“Valerie” by Amy Winehouse

“Valerie” features a two-bar groove that incorporates syncopation, offering a step up in complexity.

Bar 1:

Bar 2:

• Legend: L = Left Hand, R = Right Hand
• Tip: Pay special attention to the off-beats and practice with a drum beat for better groove.

Breaking Down Complex Rhythms

As you advance, you’ll encounter more intricate rhythms that require detailed practice.

“Crocodile Rock” by Elton John

This song includes syncopated rhythms and requires careful coordination.

• Legend: L = Left Hand, R = Right Hand, T = Together
• Tip: Isolate each hand’s part before combining them. Practice slowly and use the L-R-T method to map out the rhythm.

“Creep” by Radiohead

Though not originally piano-based, “Creep” offers an excellent opportunity to adapt guitar rhythms to the piano.

• Legend: L = Left Hand, R = Right Hand
• Tip: Count the 16th notes aloud and focus on the placement of each hand.

Watch this tutorial for a practical demonstration of applying the L-R-T method to “Creep” by Radiohead.

Utilising Visual Templates to master left right hand coordination in piano

Visual aids can significantly enhance your understanding of complex rhythms. By mapping out each beat and assigning L, R, or T, you create a clear roadmap for your hands. Download blank templates or create your own to practice different patterns. Filling in the beats helps you internalize the rhythm before playing it on the piano.

Tips for Effective Practice

Start Slow and Gradually Increase Speed

Always begin at a comfortable tempo. Accuracy is more important than speed when learning new patterns.

Practice Hands Separately

Isolate each hand’s part to understand its role in the rhythm fully.

Tap Rhythms Away from the Piano

Practice tapping out rhythms on a table or your lap. This reinforces muscle memory and coordination without the added complexity of notes and keys.

Conclusion

Improving your left right hand coordination on piano is a journey that combines patience, practice, and the right techniques. By incorporating drumming methods, using engaging drum beats, and breaking down rhythms with the L-R-T method, you can enhance your coordination and overall piano performance.

Remember, the key is consistent practice and gradually challenging yourself with more complex rhythms. Embrace the process, and you’ll see significant improvements in your playing.

Want more practice resources from the London Contemporary School of Piano? Visit our homepage to find out more about what we do and request our free resources kit to aid your practice as well as your left right coordination on piano.