What exactly is fingering ?

[janus_007]

Hello...

Maybe this is a very basic and silly question, nevertheless...
Im new to the piano, and I stumbled across fingerings... What is these/ this??

The first approach in learning piano, as I have understood, is the thumb on C, index on D and so on  :-/
Is this a good way to start? or should I practice something else ??

Kind regards

[chopinetta]

fingering is how you "arrange" your fingers on notes.

do you see the tiny numbers above the notes, or just beside it? those indicate which finger should play the certain note. a number represents a finger... 1=thumb 2=index 3=middle 4=ring finger 5=pinkie (small finger)

but don't get confused, this is a common mistake, you should not be reading those numbers, read the notes and apply the numbers..

any finger can fall on C and on any other note... but for a beginner, that's a start.. it depends on the piece actually and the editor of the piece who places the fingering..

[amee]

The fingering given in a piece is usually the editor's opinion on the best way to play the notes in a particular passage.  You do not have to follow the exact instructions, you can play it with your own fingering, but usually it is best to follow what is written on the score.

[janus_007]

I see! Thank you for your answers  

[chopinetta]

anytime, janus_007!

by the way, welcome to the world of piano playing! good luck in learning your pieces!