Mnemonic notes reading piano: This is how to memorize them easily

Mkhitar Ghazaryan
June 06, 2025

Mnemonic notes reading piano: This is how to memorize them easily 

Would you like to learn to play the piano, but find reading and memorizing notes difficult? Don't worry. With the right donkey tricks for reading notes, it becomes much easier. In this blog, you will learn useful tricks to memorize and recognize musical notes quickly.

 

Why is note reading important for piano? 

Reading notes is like learning a new language. Once you "speak" the language, you can get started with thousands of beautiful piano pieces. From classical music to modern pop songs - everything becomes playable if you can read notes. 

 

Without this skill, you are limited to playing by ear or replaying YouTube videos. With note reading, you can take any piano piece from a book and play it. In addition, you will gain a better understanding of music theory, which will help you become a better pianist.

 

The basics of the note system for the piano

For piano, you use two staves: one for your right hand (upper bar with G clef) and one for your left hand (lower bar with F clef). Each stave has five lines with spaces in between. On these lines and in the gaps are the notes.

 

The G clef is for higher notes that you usually play with your right hand. The F clef is for lower notes you play with your left hand. By learning both keys, you can read any piano music. 

 

  1. G clef (Violin clef): The G clef indicates that note G is on line number + 2. 
  2. F key (Bass key): The F key indicates that note F is on line number - 2.


Best mnemonic note reading piano - top bar

 

G clef (Violin clef is on top)


F clef (Bass clef is on lower bar)

 

For the lines of the upper bar (G clef) we use this mnemonic:

"Donkeys Graze Outside Through France"

 

This will help you remember the notes on the lines:

  • E = Donkeys (bottom line) 
  • G = Grazing
  • B = Outside
  • D = Through
  • F = France (top line) 

 

 Can you think of another fun mnemonic? 

  • E = 
  • G =
  • B = 
  • D = 
  • F = 

 


 Say this sentence out loud a few times and you will find that you automatically remember the notes! 


 

Donkey bridge for the bottom bar (F-key)

For the lines of the lower bar, you can use this mnemonic:

"All Fine Dreams Bring Happiness" 

 

This represents the notes from top to bottom:

  • A = All (top line)
  • F = Fine
  • D = Dreaming
  • B = Bring
  • G = Happiness (bottom line)

  

Can you think of another fun mnemonic? 

  • A = 
  • F =
  • D = 
  • B = 
  • G = 

 

Practical exercises to improve note reading

Exercise 1: Daily recognition

Take five minutes each day to point out notes on the stave and say their names. Start with the line notes and use my or your own mnemonic to learn to read the notes for the piano.

 

Exercise 2: Test yourself

Draw notes on cards and write the name on the back. Test yourself regularly and try to get faster and faster.

 

Exercise 3: Playing simple pieces

Start with simple melodies that use line notes and interline notes. That way you practice the mnemonic as you play. For example, "Hat of Paper" or Joseph Hayden's "Surprise" symphony shown below: 


Tips for learning notes faster

Practice regularly: Read through the piano notes for a few minutes every day. Repeat your mnemonics hard. Regular repetition is more important than long practice sessions.

Start with one hand: Focus first on the right hand (G clef) and then on your left hand (F clef) before combining both hands.

Play with others: Practice together with friends or your piano teacher. Learning together is more fun and effective. You can even turn it into a game, who comes up with the funniest mnemonic?

 

From mnemonic to automatism

The goal is that eventually you won't have to consciously think about the mnemonic to read piano notes. With lots of practice, recognizing notes will become automatic, just like reading plain text.

Start slowly and build up your speed gradually. Don't worry if it takes time in the beginning - every pianist has gone through these steps.

 

Good luck learning notes!

With the right mnemonic, piano note reading becomes much easier. "Donkeys Graze Outside Through France" and "All Fine Dreams Bring Happiness" are your new best study companions when learning piano. Or, of course, your own devised donkey bridges. 

Patience and regular practice are the key to success. Every minute you spend learning to read notes brings you closer to your dream of playing piano fluently.

 

Have questions about note reading or want more piano tips? Please contact us via the website or book a trial lesson. Speak to you soon?