Is there a common left hand position in accordion?

Question

I'm an amateur accordion player who is having difficulties with the bass side. There's no problem when I'm using close keys such as jumping from C to A. But when I need to jump to a further key such as from A to Bb, I usually press a wrong key.

Is there a common (or natural) left hand position preferred by accordionists? I mean, is there a way that accordionists position their left hand on the accordion? Do they know it just by looking at the chords in the song?

I've watched several accordionists on Youtube and couldn't figure out any specific style.

If the answer is no, what do you recommend me to improve my left hand? Do you recommend any source of exercise set?

Answer 1

I think your answer might depend on what style (and key, and so on) of music you are playing, as well as what size (style? I don't know the word) of accordion you are using.

I use the standard 120-button size accordion, and as a general rule (for my songs so far) I place my middle finger on C to start. I think I shift my middle finger to the key of the song I'm playing in.

If a song requires chords that are not easily accessible from a "root" position of middle finger on the base of the key, you may want to find a nicer position or learn to shift. Exercises that helped me learn to shift were simply practicing arpeggios and scales, starting slowly while reading the chord chart, and moving towards memorization and faster speeds. You could also try playing the bass line of difficult songs alone. I'm sure your instructor has more ideas for left-hand improvement etudes.