The Piano Scales Manual

The most important training of any piano player is A         -            1 2 3 1 2 3 4
learning the scales.1       -            2 1 3 2 1 4 3 2
 Trouble from learning the scales comes from the Bb         -           4 1 2 3 1 2 3
fingering. If the human hand was meant to play the4         -         3   2 1 4 3 2 1   3
piano it would have seven fingers. Since there are B or Cb     -       1 2 3 1 2 3 4
seven notes in the scale, all scales are fingered by1          -       1   3 2 1 4 3 2 1
some combination of 1-2-3 and 1-2-3-4. Now where do At the end of the scale is the only time the 5th finger
I put my thumb is the question.is used.
 Fingering the scales has plenty of systems; but the Scale Habits
simplest and the best for the ear player can be simply Through several octaves is the best way to master
stated. Put the thumb on the key next above the blackscales; each octave the fingering repeats. To get the
key played in the right hand and next below the blackcorrect fingering you must practice slowly. This is
key played in the left hand. This principle brings thebecause you are forming a fingering habit; the wrong
best fingering on a formal piano.move will develop a wrong habit. As you learn the
Fingering for all scales is listed below. Fingeringsequence your speed will increase. Now try playing
memorization is not needed. Learn the principle oftwo together when comfortable playing scales
passing the thumb in under the hand when the fourthseparately with both hands.
finger is on a black key and when the third finger is on To play in the middle and play with hand in opposite
a black key. The greatest difficulty is the overcome bydirection makes learning a bit more easily. Playing them
holding this one principle, the hand will form its ownin direction an octave apart is the most helpful form of
habit.practice.
 Key of       -       right      Practice without an accent very slowly. Then accent
hand                  every third note and play them for three octaves.
-             left    handThen accent every fourth note and play them for four
 C          -           1 2 3 1 2 3 4octaves. Even at the top of the piano scales it brings
1        -           1 4 3 2 1 3 2  1out the accents. Gets faster gradually trust me.
 C# or Db    -     2 3 1 2 3 4 1  Technique
2          -        3 2 1 4 3 2 1 4 These tips will help you develop smooth and speed
 D        -             1 2 3 1 2 3 4techniques. Keep fingers curved when learning the
1        -          2 1 4 3 2 1 3 2scales. It’s easier for the thumb to under pass the
 Eb       -             3 1 2 3 4 1 2hand. When necessary bend the thumb far in under
3         -          3 2 1 4 3 2 1 3the hand.
 E        -              1 2 3 1 2 3 4 When passing the thumb under the hand do not raise
1          -       1 4 3 2 1 3 2 1your wrist; unless needed do not twist your hand to
 F         -             1 2 3 4 1 2 3the left or right. The thumb should do the work. Do not
1           -        3 2 1 4 3 2 1 3pull the hand to the front when playing white keys and
 F# or Gb    -      2 3 4 1 2 3 1then shove it in to play the black keys. In short, avoid all
2            -       4 3 2 1 3 2 1 4excess motion.