Eighth notes together: coordinate both hands

Compare the two staves

‘Both hands 3 · Eighth notes together’ has eight measures in 4/4 and is marked quarter note = 78. There are two eighth notes per beat.

In measure 1 the right hand plays C4–D4–E4–F4–G4–F4–E4–D4. The left plays C3–D3–E3–F3–G3–F3–E3–D3 at the same times: the same note names an octave apart. C4 is middle C.

Align the hands and the turn

Measure 1 turns around at its fifth note, G. In measure 4 both hands follow E–F–G–A–G–F–E–D, with the right hand an octave above the left.

• Suggestion: read measure 1 with each hand separately, counting ‘one and two and’ to divide each beat.
• Start both hands together at a very slow pace and listen for each pair of notes changing together.
• Isolate the turns at G in measure 1 and A in measure 4, then connect measures. There is no need to rush to the printed tempo.

Score and scope

This guide uses the MusicXML for both-03, an original exercise created for Hello, Piano. The practice sequence is a suggestion; it does not prescribe fingering or guarantee a result.