Difference between revisions of "Scales"

From Dundee Piano Tips
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m
 
(6 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
Scales are important to playing the piano - particularly since the instrument is laid out like a zebra crossing :)
 
Scales are important to playing the piano - particularly since the instrument is laid out like a zebra crossing :)
  
They help you find your way around the 'geography' of the piano.  
+
They help you find your way around the 'geography' of the piano. Also see [[note reading]].
 
 
Here's a few things to bear in mind for scales:
 
  
 +
Here's a few things to bear in mind:
 
* start '''slow and steady'''
 
* start '''slow and steady'''
 
* practise ''each hand'' apart
 
* practise ''each hand'' apart
Line 10: Line 9:
 
* gradually build up confidence and speed
 
* gradually build up confidence and speed
 
* play hands ''together'' once you're able
 
* play hands ''together'' once you're able
* play '''''without looking''''' when you can
+
* play '''''without looking''''' if you can
 +
 
  
[[Fingering]] for common scales shown below:
+
Fingering tips:
* Sharp keys (C/G/D/A/E)
+
* Sharp keys (C/G/D/A/E/B) - '''middles match''' (mostly)
** Right hand: 1.2.3.1.2.3.4.5
+
R: 1.2.'''3'''.1.2.'''3'''.4.5
** Left hand: 5.4.3.2.1.3.2.1
+
L: 5.4.'''3'''.2.1.'''3'''.2.1
* B
+
(Left hand for B: 4.3.2.1.4.3.2.1)
** Right hand: as above
 
** Left hand: 4.3.2.1.4.3.2.1
 
 
* Flat keys (F/Bb/Eb/Ab/Db)
 
* Flat keys (F/Bb/Eb/Ab/Db)
 
** Thumbs on F + C
 
** Thumbs on F + C
 +
 +
 +
----
 +
 +
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6JC5b143P8</youtube>
 +
 +
----
 +
 +
<youtube>https://youtu.be/6ouLOb19RAM</youtube>

Latest revision as of 10:05, 27 August 2020

Scales are important to playing the piano - particularly since the instrument is laid out like a zebra crossing :)

They help you find your way around the 'geography' of the piano. Also see note reading.

Here's a few things to bear in mind:

  • start slow and steady
  • practise each hand apart
  • play smoothly with equal volume on each key
  • gradually build up confidence and speed
  • play hands together once you're able
  • play without looking if you can


Fingering tips:

  • Sharp keys (C/G/D/A/E/B) - middles match (mostly)
R: 1.2.3.1.2.3.4.5
L: 5.4.3.2.1.3.2.1

(Left hand for B: 4.3.2.1.4.3.2.1)

  • Flat keys (F/Bb/Eb/Ab/Db)
    • Thumbs on F + C