Piano For Dummies

Have you always wanted to play piano? This revised edition of the popular Piano for Dummies makes it easier and more fun than ever. If you don't know how to read music, this book explains in friendly, uncomplicated language all the basics of music theory and applies it to playing the piano. And if you've been playing piano for a while – or took piano lessons when you were a child but haven't played since – you can pick up some valuable tips to improve your playing or use the book as a refresher course.

This new edition features fresh and updated practice lessons, teaching techniques, and musical examples, as well as a new audio CD with examples for all pieces presented in the book. You get expert information on left- and right-hand piano techniques; playing scales, melodies, harmonies, and chords; and practicing to improve your technique.

• Everything you need to start playing piano today
• Plenty of popular musical pieces and songs, with companion audio CD to play along with
• Instruction in playing various musical styles, from classical and rock to blues and country
• Blake Neely is an Emmy-nominated composer and accomplished pianist who has composed numerous TV and movie scores

If you've always wanted to tickle the ivories like a pro, Piano For Dummies, 2nd Edition is your ideal resource!

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

The information is short and to the point - stuff, no fluff. The information made sense. I was playing so much better in just the first day of reading it.

Stick with it and read it over and over. It sinks in and makes sense - stay with it.


A solid choice for a disciplined student   January 26, 2006
Jonathan T. Maslan (Bellingham, WA)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

You may not like the sense of humor, the book may not cover every little nuance of proper piano technique, and yes, it has that annoying word "dummies" in its title. Agreed.

However, try this on for size: I'm learning to play the piano and I can attribute that directly to this book. I found this book more accessible than three other piano books I checked out in my library; the pace and organization are just right; and there's a helpful accompanying CD that lets one measure up to "the real thing."

I've had very little musical experience in my life, but thanks to this book I can play quite a few songs after only a month and a half and I'm confident that I'm on the road to being a pretty darn decent pianist. Assuredly, I expect that at some point I'll need a real human being to steer me along, but at this point there's no need to spend $30-$40 an hour to learn musical fundamentals that can easily be obtained in a book.

I can confidently recommend this book.


Rekindled my interest   February 12, 2000
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I took lessons as a child but had been away from the piano for over 20 years. This book gave me just what I needed to jump-start my piano playing again. It is written with a sense of humor that kept my interest--UNLIKE most books of this type which are written by musicians who take themselves far too seriously.


One heck of a helpful book!   January 18, 2000
24 out of 28 found this review helpful

One of my biggest dreams is to be able to play the piano. About 80% of my family can already do so, but no one ever had the time or the patience to teach me. Now I'm well on my way to fulfilling my dream with a little help with this funny and easy to understand book. I love it. I also enjoy playing along with the CD it comes with.


Could not put this book down!   December 2, 2002
J.J. (Naperville, Illinois USA)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

I have been playing for only 6 months and am taking lessons and found this book a great help in learning about the piano. It is fun to read and has slot of very useful information and ways to remember things about the piano. Some interesting history behind the piano and ways to buy and maintain the piano. I have more pages in the book dog eared than any other piano book I have. You must get this book and the CD that comes with the book is a real help in learning timing and the way a song is to sound.