Learn the parts of the piano. Understanding terminology helps you to achieve a working knowledge of the instrument. Check to be sure that the piano is in proper operating condition. Any damages to the instrument may hinder the learning process.
Sit straight at the piano with feet on the floor and the elbows relaxed, positioning the hands over the keys as though you were holding a small ball in your palm.
Locate the middle C key on the piano with your thumb. The C key is always the white key that follows a group of two black keys and the middle C can be found in the very center of the piano. Every white key has a letter name: C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C. Follow the C to the D (the next white key), E, F and G with your other fingers, lifting the last finger that played so only one note sounds at a time. This is called a 5 note scale. Repeat this several times until your fingers are used to playing the notes, then move to your left hand. Once your left hand is accustomed to the movement, use both hands together, one on the middle C and the other just one octave lower (an octave is a set of eight notes, from C to the next C).
To play a C chord, first locate the C, E and G keys. Play these keys altogether. To play an arpeggio, hit the keys one at a time, from C to E to G and then play it in reverse. Practicing this will help your fingers to become more fluid. Once you can play this easily, you have learned piano basics.