slippery fingers? ....

[mjin1]

Sometimes when I play, my hands end up seriously being like sweaty. I don't know what it is, but whatever it is, it makes the piano slippery, and there's an inaccuracy with notes and especially repeated notes. It's really frustrating.

Do any of you guys have this problem or know what to do about it? It's very strange. I'd heard people say things about putting powder on your hands or that kind of thing but I didn't know if that'd mess up the piano keys or not.

this is a serious problem though, this happens to me like everyday. And on complex fast pieces, this problem really can mess up a passage. I've tried whiping my hands off but it comes back almost within 5 or 10 seconds of playing. it's very strange.

[jimbo320]

Rubbing baby powder on your hands won't hurt the keys. Just rub it in good or your fingers will be slippery....

Jimbo

[jlh]

Not sure if powder is the best option.  Never heard of anyone using that.  Seems to me the powder would also make you slip on the keys?!  What I would recommend is washing your hands with soap to get rid of any oil on your hands, then keeping a cloth handy to dry hands when needed.

Best,
Josh

[jimbo320]

The soap idea is the best. Washing off any oil works. Just be sure to use plain soap (Ivory bar is good) and not moisturizing soap.

Jimbo

[mjin1]

Yeah. I agree the soap option seems to work the best, with a towel to dry my hands off. Thanks for the responses guys.

[jimbo320]

Anytime,
Glad to help....

Jimbo

[jlh]

I also keep a cloth handy (handkerchief works) when I perform.  Nerves, lights and movement tend to make my hands sweat...

[keyboardclass]

You may need to wear something on your fingers.  I teach a boy who sweats so much he rusted a violin bow in a matter of weeks!