Finger Numbers uy Response to reading finger numbers should be automatic. Before you begin to play, practice moving each finger as you say its number aloud. Piano Tones When you play a key, a hammer inside your piano touches a string to make a tone. When you drop into a key with a LITTLE weight, you make a SOFT tone. _String When you use MORE weight, you make a LOUDER tone. 1. Play any white key with the 3rd finger of either hand, softly. 2. See how many times you can repeat the same key, making each tone a little louder. Before you play any key, you should always decide how soft or loud you want it to sound. For the first pieces in this book, play with a MODERATELY LOUD tone.