Most concertinas have 48 keys, but some models will have 56 keys with extra notes at the top of the scale.
Anglo concertinas come in 20-key, 30-key, and 40-key variations. A 20-key concertina limits the notes you can play, but it may be a good start if you’re a beginner.
Some duet concertinas have up to 80 keys, giving them nearly the full range of a piano.
Hold down the air button with your right thumb to activate it.
Some concertinas will also have supports for your pinkies on the bottom.
If your hands slip out of the concertina easily, you may need to tighten the straps more.
You can hold the concertina without support if you feel comfortable doing that.
If all your fingers cannot reach the keys, practice moving your fingers around to increase their dexterity.
Middle C is a good starting note, and on an English concertina, it is typically the key your second finger, or middle finger, rests on in the home row of your left hand.
Name the note as you play it to familiarize yourself with the sound. This way, you’ll learn to play the concertina by ear. Find C1 on the opposite side of the concertina as middle C. Play C1 followed by C to hear the difference between the octaves.
Some lessons are usually free on sites like YouTube but will offer further lessons for a small fee on their website. Having a visual reference can be really helpful for beginners.
Most concertinas have a 3- or 4-octave range. Work through the scales for each octave slowly to master them. [12] X Research source
Tap along to the beat of the song with your foot so you don’t speed up or slow down while you play.
Look for chords or notes to your favorite songs from the radio and try to recreate them on your concertina.
