A Closer Look at Scale Fingerings

Most pianists learn to play scales, but it can be difficult to remember so many fingerings! While every scale has a slightly different pattern, we can rely on a few rules for every scale:

• Major and minor scales consist of seven notes.
• Fingers alternate between patterns of three (fingers 1 – 2 – 3) and four (fingers 1 – 2 – 3 – 4).
• Thumbs must not play on the black keys.
• To improve accuracy, state the key signature and which notes the 4th fingers play before playing the scale.

Sounds simple, right? Not necessarily! Scale playing can be both mentally and technically challenging. Let’s take a look at the Group One scales to make these patterns easier to remember.

Group One Scales: C, G, D, A, E major and minor

All ten of these scales have the same fingering, alternating between patterns of three- and four-finger groups. These scales are quite challenging, especially when played hands together. 

Play the C major scale using the image below, pausing at each line. Notice the patterns within each group of notes. Practicing in these groups will help you learn the fingerings more quickly and eventually play with more speed and confidence.

Go to….

kids.pianoinspires.com/explore/activities to download a handout with five-note, one-octave, and two-octave scales in these keys to use in your Technique Tournament.