Ask HN: How to learn piano in 2024?

The best answer is to get at least some months of live classes with a local teacher.

He can teach you the basics and correct bad early habits in a way no distance learning method can.

She will also be able to keep you motivated during the initial step learning curve.

After you get the basics you can complement it with an app.

For that you would need a digital piano that can connect to a computer or tablet with an usb cable, or Bluetooth.

Accoustic pianos also work, but the app will be capturing the sound and not receiving MIDI electrical inputs, which is more error prone and can offer a worse experience when playing multiple notes together.

The best app is called Piano Marvel, but you can easily google other options too.

I started learning on my own about two years ago and I only used simplypiano and youtube. I’m able to play with both hands now and can learn songs pretty quickly by watching youtube videos. I can also read some music thanks to simplypiano. I noticed quicker progress when I sat down to learn songs I really liked (in comparison to just learning what everybody else tells you to learn).

Why are learning piano?

I mean:

  Here is a chord:
    
    C-E-G

  Here are two more:

    F-A-C

    G-B-D

  Now go form a band.

[But maybe a piano isn't the ideal choice in that case and a smaller instrument would be more appropriate -- piano-mover is an actual job skill.]

Anyway, mostly it is a matter of calendar time (like all learning). Starting now is the way to get the most time and the details will sort themselves out later.

Because the reasons you want to "learn piano" will change if you are learning.

Good luck.

Cannel, Marx, How to Play the Piano Despite Years of Lessons (1976)