Ideal piano fingers exhibit balanced proportions, long and slender digits, and a relaxed yet controlled posture. However, with proper training and technique, individuals of various hand shapes and sizes can develop dexterous and expressive piano-playing abilities.

On keyboard instruments such as the piano and pipe organ, finger substitution is the changing of the fingers on a key without releasing that key, so as to prepare the fingers for notes or chords which will follow.

The index finger plays the note between C and D. The middle finger plays the note between D and E. The ring finger plays the note between F and G. The pinky finger plays the note between G and A.