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Lesson 11: Flats

Discover the second name of the black keys, play B flat in F position, then “Frère Jacques” starting on F.

What you'll learn

  • Understand sharps and flats
  • Find B flat at a glance
  • Play in F position
  • Play “Frère Jacques” starting on F
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The lesson, step by step

  1. So far, you've named the black keys with the word sharp. Today, you'll discover their second name, with the word flat, and put your hand in a new position. At the end, you'll play Frère Jacques starting on F.
  2. Every black key has two names. Named after its neighbor on the left, we say sharp. Named after its neighbor on the right, we say flat. Find a group of three black keys: the last one, just to the left of B, is called B flat. Watch first: we play the two B flats on the keyboard.
  3. A flat is a tiny step to the left: the sound goes down just a little. Listen to the difference first: B, then B flat, twice in a row. You can play both with the same finger.
  4. Here is F position. Put the thumb of your right hand on F, four white keys to the left of the middle C. Index finger on G, middle finger on A, ring finger on B flat, the black key, and little finger on the middle C. Listen first to the five notes going up.
  5. Now, let's go back down from C to F, from your little finger to your thumb, passing over B flat. Watch first.
  6. You know Frère Jacques. This time, we play it starting on F. The first phrase is played twice: F, G, A, F, with your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and your thumb again. Listen first.
  7. The second phrase is played twice too: A, B flat, and a C that lasts two beats, with your middle finger, ring finger and little finger. Listen first.
  8. The third phrase goes a little further. Your hand opens up: your thumb stays on F, your index finger goes on A, your middle finger on B flat, your ring finger on C, and your little finger on D. The phrase starts with four short notes, C, D, C, B flat, then A and F. It's played twice. Listen first.
  9. Your song: Frère Jacques starting on F, with B flat. Listen to it once, then follow the falling notes.
  10. Well done, you now know both names of the black keys: sharp and flat. In the next lesson, your left hand will discover the black keys too.

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