Hold the accordion snug against your body with the keyboard nearly vertical, weight supported by your left leg, and both straps balanced so the bellows move freely.
Learning how to hold an accordion properly is the difference between comfortable playing and a sore back, strained wrists, or an instrument that shifts mid-song. The right setup takes about a minute once you know the sequence: straps first, then leg support, then bellows clearance. This guide walks through the exact positioning used by working players, from strap balance to common mistakes.
Set Up The Straps Before Anything Else
Put the accordion on with the shoulder straps first, then adjust the bass strap. The instrument should sit firmly against your torso, not swing loosely. On a piano accordion, the right strap is commonly set longer than the left, which lets the treble side rest naturally under your chin while the bass side stays close to your body.
Rod Stradling’s accordion holding guide recommends the instrument sit “reasonably tight” against the player, with the keyboard almost vertical. The bass strap—the one on the left side—needs to be snug enough for control but loose enough that your left hand can reach every button without strain. If the strap cuts off circulation or forces your wrist into an awkward angle, loosen it.
Body Position: Sit Tall, Let The Leg Do The Work
Seated position matters more than most beginners expect. Sit on a stable chair with both feet flat on the floor and your back straight. The accordion should rest partly on your left thigh rather than hanging entirely from your shoulders—letting the leg share the weight keeps your shoulders relaxed and reduces fatigue during longer sessions.
The keyboard side should stay nearly vertical, positioned under your chin and upper chest. A common error is letting the treble side tilt back toward your body or sink too far between your legs. Either mistake limits right-hand movement and forces your wrist into an unnatural bend. The keyboard should be close enough to reach comfortably but not trapped.
Keep your posture upright without leaning into the chair. Slumping compresses your lungs and restricts your arms, which shows up immediately in your playing. The weight distribution spelled out in the Accordion Wikibooks body position guide—back straight, feet flat, instrument resting lightly on the left leg—holds for most piano and button accordion setups.
The Bellows Are The Real Test
Once the straps are balanced and the leg is supporting the weight, check the bellows. They need to open and close smoothly without touching your torso. If the bellows rub against your body, you’re either holding the instrument too close or the strap balance is off. Adjust the left strap slightly tighter to pull the bass side in, or shift the whole instrument a fraction away from your chest.
For players carrying a heavier instrument, a cross-back strap can distribute the weight across both shoulders more evenly. Not every accordion has one, and on button accordions the strap pattern may differ, but if your instrument supports it and you play standing for long stretches, it’s worth trying.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Straps too loose. The accordion shifts while you play, forcing constant re-adjustment and breaking your concentration.
- Keyboard angled too far inward. This traps your right hand and limits movement across the keys or buttons.
- Weight on the shoulders alone. Letting the instrument hang instead of resting on the left leg leads to shoulder and neck strain.
- Bellows rubbing the body. Restricted bellows movement makes smooth phrasing impossible.
- Lifting by keys or buttons. Always lift using the sturdy straps or the casing itself—pressing keys while carrying can damage the mechanism.
When you’re done playing, fasten the bellows straps and place the instrument on its feet rather than leaning it against furniture. The Wikibooks handling guide makes this a firm habit: secure the bellows for any transport or storage, and grip by the carrying and bass straps, never the fragile parts.
If you’re looking for a safe way to store your instrument between sessions, a dedicated accordion peg rack keeps it upright and accessible, which beats leaning it against a wall where it can slip.
FAQs
Should the right or left strap be tighter?
On a piano accordion, the right strap is commonly set longer than the left. The shorter left strap keeps the bass side snug against your body for bellows control, while the longer right strap lets the keyboard sit naturally near your chin. Adjust in small increments until both hands reach comfortably.
How much weight should my left leg carry?
Most of the instrument’s weight should rest on your left thigh, with the shoulder straps keeping it stable rather than supporting it fully. If your shoulders feel the strain after ten minutes, you’re carrying too much weight with your upper body alone.
Why does the keyboard keep sliding forward while I play?
The right strap is likely too loose or both straps are set unevenly. Tighten the shoulder straps so the instrument sits snugly against your torso, then re-check the bass strap. The keyboard should stay nearly vertical without requiring constant pressure from your right hand to hold it in place.
References & Sources
- Wikibooks. “Accordion/Body Position.” Details seated posture, leg support, and strap balance for accordion players.
- Stradling, Rod. “Holding the Accordion.” Practical guidance on strap tension and keyboard angle from a working player.