by Marcy Prochaska
Home | Intervals | Root-fifth | Triangular Chords
To me, separated hands just means that one hand does one thing while the other does something else. Usually this means that the left hand plays melody while the right hand plays some kind of accompaniment.
The simplest way to play with separated hands is to play the melody with both hands in two different octaves.
First, choose a melody that you can play in one position (i.e. without crossing bridges). We'll use "Simple Gifts" as an example: Click for a MIDI file or sheet music (GIF).
Learn to play this melody with just one hand. Then learn it with the other hand. If you're weaker in one hand, you'll need to drill the tune more with that hand.
In order to play with both hands, you'll need to establish an octave relationship between your hands, as shown in the diagram. The lower circle represents a right hand note on the bass bridge, and the upper circle represents a left hand note one octave higher on the right treble bridge. The same relationship works across the treble bridge, too.
You might want to try this exercise before trying the tune. Put your right hand on the lowest note on the bass bridge, and your left hand on the note one octave higher, on the right side of the treble bridge. Play both notes, one at a time and then together. Move both hands up one course and repeat. Keep going until you run out of notes at the top, then go back down. Do the same thing with your left hand on the left side of the treble bridge and your right on the right side.
Now try playing the tune with your left hand on the left side of the treble bridge, and your right on the right side. You may have to slow it down at first. Play it again, this time with your left hand on the right side and your right on the bass bridge. When you're ready, try playing the tune two octaves apart (left hand on the left treble bridge, right on the bass).
For a challenge, try a tune that involves two positions (i.e. you can play it all on the right and left treble bridges). Maintain the octave relationship between your hands: when one hand crosses a bridge, so does the other.
Home | Intervals | Root-fifth | Triangular Chords
