Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Piano Major Scales (Basic Fingering Concepts) #1: One Central Concept
Do you want to understand piano scale fingering concepts better? At their core, all piano scales are based upon a central concept that helps simplify the fingering. Keep reading for piano major scales – basic fingering concepts.
Piano Major Scales (Basic Fingering Concepts) #2: How Does the Fingering Work?
Mobile users: for best results reading the examples, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
I, like every piano instructor, teach the major scales:
- However, piano fingering is much more hand position based (see the C position diagram above for an example) than scale based.
- Which means that I focus on hand positions in lessons rather than the piano major scales.
- With trumpet, guitar, singing, and every other instrument I’ve studied, you learn a scale and then you actually use it.
- On piano, you use the full major scales… occasionally.
- So, if you’re a music teacher, by all means teach the major scales. However, I suggest you don’t worry over it too much.
Think about it. What is a C major scale piano fingering for the right hand (RH) except part of the C position fingering and all of the F position fingering with a finger crossover connecting them?
- The keyboard diagram below shows how the C major scale looks on piano.
- The sheet music example below the keyboard diagram shows the piano scale’s fingering as it relates to the hand positions.
- The sharp key major scales on the piano mostly follow this fingering pattern for the right hand.
- Regardless, all piano scales are hand position based except for the chromatic scale.
- Once you know what the hand positions are for each key, it’ll help simplify memorizing them.
The C Major Scale for Piano:
Piano Major Scales (Basic Fingering Concepts) #3: Final Thoughts
Here’s a Summary of Piano Major Scales (Basic Fingering Concepts):
- While the full scales do get used in compositions, it isn’t too often.
- Conversely, the five-finger hand positions are the heart and soul of piano technique.
- This explains why young students start with the five-finger positions so that playing them will become second nature.
Have fun playing!
Related Posts
- The C Major Key (Including the C Major Chords)
- The G Major Key (Including the G Major Chords)
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2024 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Back to the All-Purpose Music Tips and Topics category blogs page
A How to Guide for Incredibly Cool Guitar Distortion
Have you ever wondered how professional guitarists get their sound? Do you want a how to guide for getting hot guitar distortion? More goes into amazing distortion than just what stomp box you buy. Keep reading “A How to Guide for Incredibly Cool Guitar Distortion” to learn the factors that will help you get the most out of your rig. Estimated reading time 5 minutes.
Read More
Should I Learn to Play the Piano One Hand at a Time or Simultaneously?
Have you ever asked yourself, “Should I learn to play the piano one hand at a time or simultaneously?” The answer might surprise you. Click to find out the practice strategies used by the most effective practicers. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More
Singing Intervals
Do you want to learn to sing? Do you need help with hearing and singing intervals? Being able to hear musical intervals is a valuable skill. You can use it for identifying intervals, which is an essential skill in vocal sight reading. Also, it’s important for singing melodies in tune. Read more to learn about singing intervals. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
Why Do Pianists Occasionally Play Their Hands at Different Times as They Perform
Are you confused by the squiggly lines in the score? Have you ever wondered, “Why do pianists occasionally play their hands at different times as they perform?” Answer: because it makes the music sound sophisticated and plays an important stylistic role in piano music. Click if you’d like to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More