Hot Accordion How-Tos
How To: Play "What Is Love" by Haddaway on the accordion
This tutorial shows you how to play "What Is Love" (by Haddaway) made famous by Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan's Saturday Night Live skit: Night at the Roxbury. The video demonstrates great accordion technique to give the song a pulsing rhythm.
How To: Play Shostakovich's 2nd Waltz on the accordion
An oldie but a goodie, this tutorial teaches you how to play Shostakovich's classic 2nd Waltz in C Minor. Watch as this video breaks down the song in simple, easy to understand steps.
How To: Play "Elephant Gun" by Beirut on the accordion
This video is a great tutorial on how to play "Elephant Gun" by Beirut's Zach Condon. This song, from the Lon Gisland EP, is a great song for beginner accordion players.
How To: Play "Mount Wroclai" by Beirut on the accordion
Interested in playing Beirut's "Mount Wroclai" on your accordion? See how it's done with this free video accordion lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the accordion, accordionists of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Mount Wroclai" on your own squeezebox, take a look!
How To: Play "The Chicken Dance" on the accordion
Interested in playing "The Chicken Dance" on your accordion? See how it's done with this free video accordion lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the accordion, accordionists of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "The Chicken Dance" on your own squeezebox, take a look!
How To: Play the bass part to "Falling Slowly" on accordion
Interested in playing the legato bass part to Once's "Falling Slowly" on your accordion? See how it's done with this free video accordion lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the accordion, accordionists of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Falling Slowly" on your own squeezebox, take a look!
How To: Play "Falling Slowly" from Once on the accordion
Interested in playing "Falling Slowly" from the 2007 musical Once on your accordion? See how it's done with this free video accordion lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the accordion, accordionists of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Falling Slowly" on your own squeezebox, take a look!
How To: Play "Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago on the accordion
Interested in playing "Lara's Theme" from the 1965 film Dr Zhivago on your accordion? See how it's done with this free video accordion lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the accordion, accordionists of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Lara's Theme" on your own squeezebox, take a look!
How To: Play "Nantes" by Beirut on the accordion
This fantastic tutorial demonstrates how to play the brooding "Nantes" by Beirut's Zach Condon. As this user mentions, Beethoven would be proud!
How To: Play the Tetris theme song on the accordion
In this video, we learn how to play the Tetris theme song on the accordion. D major 7 is the first chord, going to A, B flat, C, B flat, A, G, B flat, D, C, B flat, A, B flat, C, D, B flat, G, and G. Play these separately, then practice doing all of these chords in order one after the other to do the first part of the song. Now, walk up to the C chord and then press, B flat, F, D, B flat, D, C, B flat, A, B flat, A, C, D, and D. Continue to play these chords until you reach the end of the son...
How To: Play "Rhineland" by Beirut on the accordion
Interested in playing Beirut's "Rhineland" on your accordion? See how it's done with this free video accordion lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the accordion, accordionists of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Rhineland" on your own squeezebox, take a look!
How To: Play "Prenzlauerberg" by Beirut on the accordion
In this video you are shown how to play Prenzlauerberg on accordion. You will use the right hand for the melody. Both hands will be used. Your tutor divides the song into three playable components, after you develop skill in playing them you can piece them together. The song starts on G, the chords played include G minor, C minor and D7. The D7 chord includes the notes D, F sharp and C. When playing a chord you hold all of the notes (keys) of the chord at the same time. Also, playing D7 chord...
How To: Do the half beat bass technique on the accordion
This how to video shows you how to perform a half beat bass technique on an accordion. You will skip every other beat to do this. In this example, a Beatles song will be played to show you how to do this. First, you will how it is normally played. Next, you will hear it using the half beat bass technique. To practice this, do an um pa um pa beat to a song that you know, such as "Mary had a Little Lamb". Say the um part but not play it. However, play the pa part. First, play it normally and th...
How To: Do the legato bass technique on the accordion
Moshezuchter demonstrates how to do a legato bass technique on an accordion which will add drama to your playing. Legato means tying it together. When playing staccato, you touch the keys like they are hot with short strokes to get the punctuated effect. Try playing an alternate base pattern using A, A minor, E to A minor for an oompah sound. Hold your finger on the A while pumping the A minor key. Then, hit the E major key while continuing to hole the A key down. You can also transition to o...
How To: Do the right hand slide up technique on the accordion
If you want to know how to do the right hand slide up technique on the accordion you should take D as an example of a not you want to slide up to it. You can slide up to this not using 1, or 2 or three notes. You can also do 4, but this is a lot to do. The fingering to use is to have a spare finger before the not you want to hit. You can use your index finger or a middle finger. Choose the semitone before the D and roll over the D. Make sure the emphasis is on the D note. You just want to lig...
How To: Play the "Howl's Moving Castle" theme on the accordion
If you want to play the Howl's Moving Castle theme on accordion you first need to play on the right hand D, G, B flat, D or G minor and on the left hand you press the C minor then go D 7 and G minor. Then it goes C minor, F and B flat. Next play D minor, E minor, A7, D minor, then C, B flat and A 7. B flat to A 7 is a pretty large jump so you may need to practice. So again you repeat C minor, D7 and G minor. Then C minor, F and Flat. Next play D minor, E minor, A7, D minor, C, B flat and then...
How To: Play the "Nostalgia" theme on the accordion
Watch this video by Youtube user moshezuchter as he takes you through the different steps in playing the Nostalgia Theme by Alexander Winfield from the puppet play entitled, "All Hail Ye Mighty Lords of Nowhere," using an accordion. The tune of Nostalgia is very slow and haunting, and it can be used to create a mood when you're making a play or a movie. The piece is very easy. It's basically just a collection of different chords. First, you start with D minor, then, you play a G9. Alternate w...
How To: Play "If I Were a Rich Man" on the accordion
To play If I Were a Rich Man, on the accordion, begin by playing a G major cord, playing the keys (of the right hand) in this order: D, C, D, C, B, and then G. Then, play B, C, D, C, D, C, B, C, F, E, and then D.
How To: Play "La Noyee" from "Amelie" on the accordion
This is a great video demonstrating how to play "La Noyee" by Yann Tiersen from the French film "Amelie". This tutorial breaks down the notes and chord progressions for the accordion.
How To: Play "The Godfather Waltz" on the accordion
This is a tutorial on how to play the theme from "The Godfather" films, written by the prolific Nino Rota. The video breaks down the chords to play this brooding accordion classic.
How To: Coordinate the left and right hand on the accordion
One of the basics of accordion playing and left and right brain splitting, this tutorial demonstrates how to coordinate your left and right hand when playing the accordion.
How To: Play the "Amarcord" theme on the accordion
This tutorial demonstrates how to play the theme from Federico Fellini's "Amarcord", written by Nino Rota (also the composer for "The Godfather"). The fingering is very complicated so take it slow.
How To: Play "A Sunday Smile" by Beirut on the accordion
This video shows you how to play "A Sunday Smile" by Beirut's Zach Condon. This simple song is a great song to add to your accordion repertoire.
How To: Play "Perfect Day" by Lou Reed on the accordion
This tutorial demonstrates how to play the left hand accordion part for Lou Reed's "Perfect Day". The video breaks down the keys individually for you to better understand.
How To: Play "Lies" from the film "Once" on the accordion
This is a great tutorial for playing the song "Lies" from the Irish film "Once" on the accordion. This song, written by Glen Hansard, is a great reinterpretation on the accordion.
How To: Identify the parts of an accordion
Understanding reeds, straps and bellows will allow you to play the instrument more easily. Learn more in this free video series that will show you how to identify the different parts of the accordion and how to play it correctly.
How To: Master the basics of accordion playing
Understand the way accordions function in this free video series that will help you play your accordion with ease and comfort.
How To: Disassemble an accordion
The reeds, cover pins, keys and the bass are a few of the parts you'll need to identify and disassemble on your accordion. Learn more in this free video series that will show you how to safely and easily remove the different parts of your accordion.
How To: Play the accordion
Learn how to play the accordion with your left and right hands, read sheet music and play a few popular songs in this free video series that will have you playing the accordion in no time.
How To: Play the basses on the accordion
Learn how to play the basses on the accordion.
How To: Play the theme from Amelie on the accordion
A step by step tutorial on playing the Amelie theme song on the accordion (left-hand). Tips:
How To: Play "La valse d'Amelie" on accordion
This is a slow video tutorial of "La valse d'Amelie".It's not played as in the original, because I've learned it mainly by ear.
How To: Play the left hand bass system on the accordion
This video explains the left-hand fingering of the Stradella bass system on the accordion.
How To: Play the alternate bass system on the accordion
This video shows the fingering and movement of using the alternate bass system. Oom-pa, oom-pa.
How To: Understand the bass system on the accordion
This video is a quick explanation of the Stradella bass system of the accordion.
How To: Learn accordion bass buttons
The accordion bass button layout and theory are explained in this fast paced 7 minute instructional video.
How To: Play basses on accordion in G Major
Learn how to play basses accordion in G
How To: Play a simple C Major exercise on accordion
This is an exercise for accordion, you need to play C Major on both hands 2 octaves.
How To: Play the C major scale on the diatonic accordion
Learn how to play a C Major Scale, learn the diatonic accordion, learn the button accordion, scales in a button accordion
How To: Play Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" on your guitar
This sequence shows how to play the Metallica song "Nothing Else Matters" on Guitar. Part 1 of 9 - How to Play Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" on your guitar.