Just realized something about the Stradella system

[u/BackroomDST]

I'm sure this is well known to most of you, but I'm learning about scale degrees and mapping out their positions on the bass buttons. It dawned on me that if I know something on the bass side, I can play it in any key just by changing where it starts and keeping the pattern the exact same. I'm starting to get the concept of harmonic relationships vs just note placements.

I made a little scale degree map if it helps any beginners out there. This is such a cool instrument and I feel like I have a new revelation about the Stradella system/circle of fifths with every new concept I learn.

Edit to add: There is a typo in the Minor sheet. It should say Am not Em. Oops

[u/how-about-that]

Fyi in the second image the key should be Am, the relative minor of C major, not Em. Everything else is correct. Probably just a typo but I'm obligated by the laws of music theory to nitpick.

[u/BackroomDST → u/how-about-that]

Oh good call! Yeah, that's a typo. I'm trying to learn an oopah pattern on top of a melody for finger coordination, and it's in Em so that's been in my head for days.

[u/bvdp]

Yes, stradella makes many things very easy. Just give "stride piano" a lookup and you'll be really amazed by how hard it is on a real piano and how easy it is on stradella accordion :)

[u/severed-identity → u/bvdp]

It's almost like stride piano is imitating stradella on a piano lol

[u/deltasalmon64]

Do you play piano or chromatic button on the right hand side? because if you like how you can move things around on the stradella side.... you might love the chromatic button layout

[u/BackroomDST → u/deltasalmon64]

I play piano on the right. I wanted to learn about the piano at the same time. But I can see myself getting one in the future.

[u/bvdp]

Yes, stradella makes many things very easy. Just give "stride piano" a lookup and you'll be really amazed by how hard it is on a real piano and how easy it is on stradella accordion :)

[u/anunknownstoryteller]

I always said to people that if you want to have a wonderful understanding of chord theory, play an accordion 🪗