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Syndicated Answer

What are the finger numbers used in piano lessons?

By Nicole Burns, author · · Updated 7/13/2026

This is a syndicated copy. Canonical version: https://bestexpertanswers.com/answers/what-are-the-finger-numbers-used-in-piano-lessons

According to instruction captured in a piano lesson transcript, fingers are numbered as follows for both hands:

  • 1 — Thumb (noted as a helpful rhyme: "thumb and one, they kind of rhyme")
  • 2 — Index finger
  • 3 — Middle finger
  • 4 — Ring finger
  • 5 — Pinky finger

These numbers are used to indicate which fingers to use when playing specific keys or exercises.

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