How To Play Three Blind Mice On The Piano

Ever wanted to plunk out a tune on the piano but felt intimidated? Fear not! Let's tackle a classic nursery rhyme that's easier than you think: "Three Blind Mice".

We're going to approach this with a sense of fun, not perfection. Think of it as musical doodling, not a concert performance. So, let's get started!

Finding the Right Keys

First, find Middle C on your piano. It's usually the white key just to the left of a group of two black keys. Place your right hand on the keyboard so that your thumb rests comfortably on Middle C.

Now, let's assign numbers to some of your fingers. Your thumb is number 1, your index finger is 2, and your middle finger is 3. We only need these three fingers for the entire song!

The Notes We Need

"Three Blind Mice" uses just three notes: C, D, and E. C is your thumb (finger 1), D is your index finger (finger 2), and E is your middle finger (finger 3).

Got it? Great! Think of C as "home base." We'll be returning there often.

Playing the Melody

Here's the sequence of notes you'll play: E-D-C. Practice this sequence a few times slowly. Get a feel for the movement between the keys.

That's actually the first phrase of the song! Repeat that phrase. E-D-C. E-D-C. Feels almost therapeutic, right?

Next, we have D-E-F. Uh oh, we haven't covered F. But don't worry, just move your middle finger one key up from E, to the next white key to the right. We did it, we have F! So it is, D-E-F.

Continue by following up with D-E-F. You have just finished the second line of this song.

Now repeat the first line: E-D-C, E-D-C. We're almost there!

To end with the tune, it is C-G-G. We haven't covered G. But don't worry, from Middle C, count five white keys to the right. You have just found G!

Keep your thumb on C, and use your pinky (finger 5) to play G-G. This part sounds like a little flourish, doesn't it?

Putting It All Together

Now, let's string all of those phrases together. Remember to play slowly and steadily. E-D-C, E-D-C, D-E-F, D-E-F, E-D-C, E-D-C, C-G-G.

"Three Blind Mice. Three Blind Mice. See how they run. See how they run." You are playing the song!

Adding a Little Humor (or Horror?)

Once you've got the basic melody down, try experimenting! Play it faster, slower, louder, or softer.

Play it in a minor key. Suddenly, those blind mice sound a lot more sinister. (Just Google "minor key" if you're not sure how to do this – it's easier than it sounds!)

You can even add some silly sound effects! Maybe a dramatic cymbal crash (if you have one) at the end of the line about the farmer's wife.

The Joy of Simple Music

"Three Blind Mice" might seem like a simple tune, but it has a surprising amount of history. It's been around for centuries!

More importantly, it's accessible. Anyone can learn to play it. And that's the real beauty of music, isn't it?

So go ahead, tickle those ivories and unleash your inner musician! You might be surprised at the joy you find in playing this simple, slightly creepy, but undeniably catchy tune. Congratulations!