Accordion — The Bellows That Makes Reeds Sing
The accordion combines a keyboard or buttons, vibrating metal reeds and a bellows worked by both arms, into a complete instrument capable of melody, harmony and rhythm all on its own.
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What it is
The accordion produces sound through free metal reeds set vibrating by airflow generated by a pleated bellows, worked by the player's two arms. The right hand plays the melody on a piano keyboard or buttons depending on the model, while the left hand operates preset bass and chord buttons.
Origins and history
Invented in Europe in the 19th century (Vienna, then widely spread through Germany, Italy and France), the accordion spread worldwide through popular dance-hall music: French musette, Argentine tango, Eastern European folk, and world music, where it holds an appreciated place today, including in some Moroccan chaabi and fusion ensembles.
Manufacturing and materials
Carefully calibrated steel reeds are mounted on aluminium or zinc plates, housed inside a wooden case covered in celluloid or decorative fabric. The bellows, made of pleated cardboard covered in leather or reinforced fabric at the corners, must be perfectly airtight to ensure the instrument's responsiveness.
| Instrument type | Free-reed aerophone with bellows |
|---|---|
| Families | Chromatic (piano or buttons), diatonic |
| Right hand | Piano keyboard or buttons depending on the model |
| Left hand | Preset bass and chord buttons |
| Level | Beginner to advanced |
How to choose the right one
- Piano keyboard or buttons: a piano keyboard is often more intuitive for a musician already familiar with piano.
- Number of basses: a 12- or 24-bass model works for beginners; 48-120 bass models offer richer harmony for advanced use.
- Instrument weight: an important factor, since the accordion is worn on the chest throughout play.
- Bellows airtightness: always check, as a leaking bellows makes the instrument unusable.
How it's played
The accordionist wears the instrument on the chest via shoulder straps, the right hand playing the melody on the keyboard or buttons while the left hand operates both the bellows (to create airflow) and the bass/chord buttons — a coordination that requires specific learning.
Care and maintenance
Always store the accordion with the bellows closed but not forced shut after playing, in its hard case, away from humidity that can damage the bellows cardboard and wooden components. Occasional professional servicing is recommended to check reed airtightness.
Available in diatonic (one note per button depending on bellows direction) and chromatic (one fixed note per key/button) versions.
Frequently asked questions
Which accordion should I choose to start out?+
A chromatic piano-keyboard model with a limited number of basses (12 to 24) is often recommended for an accessible first learning experience.
Is the accordion a heavy instrument to carry?+
Yes, especially models with many basses; lighter, more compact versions exist for children or beginners.
Does the accordion suit Moroccan music?+
It isn't a traditional Moroccan instrument as such, but it's used in some chaabi and popular music ensembles for its melodic and harmonic versatility.
