Before one even begins to play the piano, they should ensure that their sitting posture is set up and aligned properly. First, sit on your piano bench with your music books placed on the sill of the piano, which is above the keyboard area. Then, point your forearms towards the keys until they are parallel to the floor. If your bench is positioned at the proper height, then your fingers should be able to gently arc downward and rest on the tops of the keys.
If you are required to bend your wrists or raise or lower your arms, then your bench is not positioned at the proper height. You should adjust the height of your bench until you do not feel any strain in your arms or shoulders while you are seated at the piano. You can place and rest your feet on the ground at a comfortable distance apart. Your toes should be pointing straight ahead. Always remember to sit with a straight back and not slouch. In other words, your shoulders should not be hunching forward and your spine should remain straight. When you place your hands onto the keys, you should do so in a very natural manner and without having to stretch your arms. The same goes for your feet, they should be able to move forward onto the pedals and back again without having to stretch and/or put strain on your upper legs.
Some individuals do not have an adjustable piano bench or some are simply unable to adjust the height higher to a more comfortable position. Fret not, you can try using pads or pillows to further raise the height of your seat. However, do make sure that they are stable enough so that you do not fall or slip while playing halfway.
One has to also position himself/herself at the center of the keyboard. Each of your ten fingers should rest on a white key each. Typically, your right thumb should be positioned on the white key just to the left of a group of two black keys in the middle of the keyboard, which is also the C note. As for your other fingers on your right hand, they should rest on the next white keys accordingly, D, E, F, and G. As for your left hand, you will also follow in the same pattern, but an octave lower, only reversed: the left pinky should rest on C, while the left thumb rests on G. There should be two white keys (A and B) between your thumbs.
Should you require more assistance in your finger placement, maybe you can try taking up piano lessons. At Awesome Piano, our dedicated teachers will always do their best to ensure that you have a fulfilling learning experience.