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.

The first step when assigning fingers to keys is to look for the highest and lowest notes within the melody. Pay attention to the melody in music. Get into a five finger position and place our thumb on G and our fifth finger on D, and our three middle fingers on piano, the piano notes in between.

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.

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.