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Table of Contents
What are the Hanon books?
The "Hanon books" refer to a classic and highly popular series of piano technical exercises titled The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises. Originally published in 1873 by French composer and pedagogue Charles-Louis Hanon, the method aims to develop finger strength, agility, independence, and wrist flexibility.
The original collection is traditionally divided into three distinct parts, though today it is also available in various supplementary adaptations:
- Part 1 (Exercises 1–20): Preparatory Exercises
These are designed to stretch the fingers, build strength, and develop independence between fingers on both hands. - Part 2 (Exercises 21–43): The Study of Passagework
Focuses on training the pianist to play rapid passages evenly and cleanly across the keyboard. - Part 3 (Exercises 44–60): The Study of Virtuoso Technique
Introduces advanced techniques like trills, octave playing, repeated notes, and tremolos.
Modern Variations and Adaptations
Given its foundational status, many publishers and educators have adapted the original text to cater to specific skill levels or musical styles:
- Samba, Latin, and Salsa Hanon books
- Blues Hanon
- Jazz Chords and Boogie Woogie Hanon books
- Jazz Hanon: Adapts the classic scalar and arpeggio patterns to fit jazz and blues chord progressions
- Rock and Guitar Hanon books
- etc.
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How to Use Them
The exercises are highly repetitive by design. They follow a strict pattern that starts on a specific note, goes up an octave, returns, and then shifts chromatically up the keyboard. While some teachers criticize them for being monotonous, they are widely used as daily warm-ups to get the fingers moving and blood flowing before tackling more complex repertoire.
For effective practice, it is recommended to focus on relaxed wrists and even timing rather than pure speed, ensuring you don't overwork the tendons.
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How to Practice Hanon Books - Beginner Piano Technique
Are you a beginner pianist who's looking for easy finger exercises to strengthen your fingers and improve your technique? Look no further than Hanon exercises! With the tips and tricks shared in this easy piano lesson, you'll learn how to practice Hanon correctly and how to get all the amazing benefits from the finger exercises in The Virtuoso Pianist. Plus, you'll learn Hanon Exercise No. 1 along the way!
CHAPTERS 00:00-00:16 - Intro 00:17 - What Are Hanon Exercises? 00:54 - Practice Strategies 01:48 - Learn Your First Hanon Exercise! 03:42 - Practice Tips 04:40 - Speeding Up 05:40 - Playing Hanon Musically
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Fun fact:
The pianist and songwriter Bruce Hornsby wrote a song titled "Spider Fingers" which uses the technique from Exercise 47. Hornsby makes a reference to the technique in the lyrics: "It's just a little hand trick/A little prestidigitation/Better get out your Hanon/A little practice and repetition"