I just received my Cajun accordion in the key of C.

If I don't look at the right hand buttons, I lose my place since all the buttons feel the same. Doesn't seem like there's a rule to follow. Just practice. Correct? I'm thinking about putting a small piece of painter's tape on each C button. This might help.

Is there a starting position for the right hand depending on the music being played? For example, index finger on the first not of the music?

One way to find the buttons without looking is from the relation of the thumb strap to the buttons. It is unsually in about the same place on all Cajun boxes.

Although I have picked up other people's accordions and sometimes had to adjust as I found the thumb strap off enough that I could be off by one button.

The easiest way it to play two or three buttons at once and listen to the sound in relation to the bass side. You will know right away if you are in the wrong place.

BTW, don't feel bad, you will pick it up soon. I remember many years ago when Andre Thierry was just starting out and he got up on stage and played a whole song one button off on the keyboard.

And look how he plays now!

Don't be discouraged.
Keep it up!
DP

Practice daily and in about a week, you'll have a pretty good grip on the 5 button.

I put a small piece of tape on five button just to give my my home key. Index finger always on five button to start with just like home key on typewriter is the f and j (j for the right hand) Octives always two buttons space on the push and three space on the pull. Good luck have a great time with it

The number three button on a press is C. Place your index finger on it and practice the scale. When you can do it in the low octave, continue up into the higher octave. You will become familiar with the notes by ear which is very important because you will play by ear. As you practice the scale in C, learn the scale in octave notes. This is very important in Cajun music. I can't think of a single Cajun or Creole song that does not use octave notes. Next, as you practice the octave scales, learn the bouncing technique with your index finger as you hold the pinkie down. This is also used a lot in Cajun music, especially in waltzes. Finally, go to Big Nick's Box Lessons web site. Lot of good free tips there, then order his instructional DVD Volume 1. You'll be glad you did. Good luck and keep squeezin'.

In playing a 2 octave C scale, what's the fingering technique in "crossing" octaves?

See if this helps?

http://www.bignick.net/BoxLessons/boxlesson_7.htm

Best of luck in your new Cajun accordion endeavors!

--bn

Thanks Big Nick. I thought the octave scales that were suggested in an earlier reply referred to playing single notes up & down, i.e., not scales with octave pairs like in your web lesson 7. Your lesson is very clear & helpful. Also, I recently received your DVD #2. I skipped DVD #1.

OK, Bill,

Glad to be of some help.

I wish you well in your endeavors!

Be sure to come back to visit the forum from time to time.

There are numerous 'experts' in a variety of fields
that visit this site, so chances are you'll get any
questions answered!

Merci beaucoup,

--bn

Bill,

Don't overlook Mary Had a Little Lamb on BN Vol #2.

The sooner you can play it, the sooner you'll become a player! After you've learned it, you'll look back upon it as a milestone of accomplishment.

If I may suggest, please get Big Nick's Vol 1 DVD. In it you will learn the basics including the octave notes, the scale, the bouncing technique ect. Don't short change yourself. Good luck and keep squeezin'.

I have to add that too much reliance on playing octaves will make playing difficult and pull you off the beat, particularly when playing at a fast speed.

I compared my playing to a friend, and she didn't play very many octaves. I finally compared a recording of her playing to my playing, and, I found that hers was better and cleaner, and mine improved when I didn't play as many octaves.

The reflex playing of octaves does allow me to place my fingers without as much though about whether the next button should be on the push or the pull, but there is a tradeoff. I still play octaves, but less.

According to Dirk, the octaves can create blends and chording. He also says they can be used to bounce between them in a rocking back and forth fashion. They can also (according to Dirk) change the feel in a song, ie, playing a higher melody on the bottom buttons and then play a similar melody on the lower keys at the top. He says this is to create interest and tension in a song. Dirk creates tension with me, so all this information might just be bunk. But if Dirk says it, I tend to want to believe it.