Beginner problems

[tomrainking]

Ok so i'm about 8 months in...i'm 27 and purchased my piano about a month after my wife and I bought our first house.  I always viewed piano as something I really truly wanted to learn.  I play guitar (self taught), and began playing piano kinda the same way I learned guitar (not really the "right" way).  Anyway, I feel as if i have progressed extremely well, however, I know i'm not polished in my playing.  I used the same model I used when I was 17 and taught myself guitar...trying to learn songs...forcing me to learn chords and whatnot through songs I knew and loved.  My worry is that I will handicap myself with this model of learning and reach a plateau I will not be able to overcome.  With Guitar i'm able to play just about any song that comes my way, and can improve somewhat on my own...with piano i'm able to play a lot of songs just not the "total right way".  My main problem is that I play mostly with my middle 3 fingers.  I have gotten really good at playing some songs but that only masks the lack of knowledge/skill i have.  Some songs i've learned that utilize the entire hand...counting crows colorblind, coldplay's trouble to name two.  I can play those songs with my eyes closed but i'm afraid that skill hasnt yet translated into everyday playing...what strategies would be best for me at this stage. 

[ggpianogg]

Anyone over here would most likely say: getting a teacher is the best strategy ;-)

[pianoreporter]

I would totally agree about getting a teacher to reset your ways.  I would also have that teacher with a strong ruler to hit those bad habits out the arena.  There are many musicians at the same time that have their own styles.  Depending more on their sound and how comfortable they are at the piano.  Try to get a teacher just to critique your style and maybe tweak it some but not too much where it is uncomfortable.

Keep it up!!

www.PianoReporter.com

[dss62467]

Yeah, it's unlikely you'll get very good unless you can use all your fingers and know where to put them.  Without that skill, speed and accuracy will elude you.

[rmbarbosa]

"when man was made, God surely had no idea he would eventually "perfect" himself as a pianist.for otherwise God would have provided man with at least seven fingers on each hand and furthermore with seven fingers of equal length" (Malwine Brée). And you wish to play piano with only 3 fingers?
I dont Know what do you really love and want: music or bruise? If you do love piano and music, please, have a teacher. If you dont love piano and music, please use your 3 fingers to say goodby to the piano. and
Rui

[dss62467]

"when man was made, God surely had no idea he would eventually "perfect" himself as a pianist.for otherwise God would have provided man with at least seven fingers on each hand and furthermore with seven fingers of equal length" (Malwine Brée). And you wish to play piano with only 3 fingers?
I dont Know what do you really love and want: music or bruise? If you do love piano and music, please, have a teacher. If you dont love piano and music, please use your 3 fingers to say goodby to the piano. and
Rui

   I like that

[db05]

I know how it is to start late. You have to be extra careful you don't build any bad habits. I suppose you're playing piano just for fun and maybe it's not convenient for you to find a teacher. And it sounds like classical piano isn't your thing. Even so, find a beginner book to train yourself to use all fingers. Learn music theory if you haven't yet. Hope this helps. Best of luck to you.