This is the scale of D major, with the associated fingerings that we kindly suggest you use for each note. When tackling the D major scale, your right hand plays the initial D with your thumb, and then crosses over, using your thumb to play the G note. With your left hand, once you arrive at your third finger, you cross your thumb underneath to play the B note. For some reason, it is a popular key for many songs. This scale consists of the notes D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, and D. The key signature of the D Major scale on the music stave shows TWO sharps, so two black keys. Elton John – Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Level 42).Johann Pachelbel – Canon in D (Level 40).This is a two-octave G major scale, and as with the previous scale, you can find the correct fingering underneath each of the notes. The G major scale includes the notes G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, and G. As you notice hereby, F# is our one little sharp to remember! Play all of the notes on the white keys – except for that F# where you reach up for the corresponding black key! To keep things easy, use the same finger pattern as with the C major scale.
It -sort of- eases you into the world of black keys, and this is why we will tackle it next.
The second scale we would like to introduce you to is the G major scale. “Hey”, we hear you say, “why not the D major scale? D comes after C! Explain yourselves, please.” Well, here’s the explanation: We would like you to systematically work your way through an ever-increasing number of sharps. As you have just noticed, C major has no sharps at all. Now G major sports ONE sharp in the scale. Johann Sebastian Bach – Air On The G-String (Level 38).Do this throughout all of the scale exercises. Practice one hand first, then the other, until the finger movements are fluid and natural, then practice both hands simultaneously on a very slow metronome beat, before increasing tempo according to your ability. It is arguably the easiest major scale to learn and remember: On the piano, you only need to use the white keys for the C major scale.īelow is the scale of C major, with the corresponding fingering numbers under each note. Start practicing major scales with the C major scale. The C major scale includes the pitches C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. A lot of today’s pop music uses major keys. Major scales are usually the first scales to tackle on the piano as they are most commonly used in everyday music. Pieces in a major key are generally associated with upbeat, happy music. If you analyze a piece of music and the notes are based on the C major scale, then the piece of music will be in the key of C major. On the piano, we play the scales with both hands simultaneously. What Is a Scale?Ī scale in music is a collection of notes that represent the same key. They begin on what is called the ‘Tonic’ note, or the key note. Each scale represents a key. We assure you: If you practice all the major and minor scales on the piano you will greatly improve your overall skills.
Scales are a vital part of learning the piano and developing your skills, whether you are struggling with your improvisation skills, or simply want to learn the theory behind the music. Let us walk you through each scale and determine how it’s best played on the piano. Are you trying to learn all the major and minor scales on the piano but find the whole matter confusing – all those sharps and flats? Well, it’s not really hard once you grasp the concept of it.