A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Types of Accordions - McNeela Music

An accordion is a musical instrument that produces sound by using bellows to push air through reeds. It is used in many different genres of music, including folk, classical, and jazz. The accordion is a versatile instrument that comes in many different shapes and sizes, with each type of accordion having its unique sound and playing style. In this article, we'll explore the different types of accordions.

Piano Accordion:

The piano accordion is the most common type of accordion. It has a keyboard on one side and buttons on the other. The keyboard side is played with the right hand, while the buttons are played with the left. The piano accordion is used in many different genres of music, including polka, folk, and jazz.

Button Accordion:

The button accordion, also known as the diatonic accordion, is a type of accordion that has buttons on both sides. The button accordion is used primarily in traditional music styles such as Cajun, Irish, and Tex-Mex.

Chromatic Accordion:

The chromatic types of accordions has buttons on both sides, similar to the button accordion. However, it has a different button layout that allows the player to play in any key. Chromatic accordions are used primarily in classical and jazz music.

Concertina:

The concertina is a type of accordion that is smaller than most other types. It has buttons on both sides, and it is played by squeezing the bellows together or pulling them apart. Concertinas are used in many different genres of music, including folk and classical.

Bandoneon:

The bandoneon is a type of accordion that is used primarily in tango music. It has buttons on both sides, and it is played by squeezing the bellows together or pulling them apart. The bandoneon has a unique sound that is well-suited to the emotional and expressive nature of tango music.

Piano Accordion with Stradella Bass:

The piano accordion with Stradella bass is similar to the standard piano accordion, but it also has a set of buttons that control the bass notes. This allows the player to play chords with their left hand, which gives the instrument a fuller sound. The piano accordion with Stradella bass is used primarily in folk and popular music.

In conclusion, types of accordions come in different shapes and sizes, each with its unique sound and playing style. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there is an accordion out there that will suit your needs. If you're interested in learning more about accordions or want to try playing one yourself, we recommend contacting McNeela Music Store, which has a variety of instruments.