Steve Weingart - Keyboard Technique (Music Instruction)

The major scale is built on a series of whole steps and half steps in an ascending or descending motion. The order of these whole steps and half steps is given in the following example in the key of C:

Fig. 3 : The major scale in whole steps and half steps. The example represents C major.

This given sequence is a solution to understanding and executing the major scale starting on any given note.

During the execution of the following exercise, you will notice numbers by the notes. These numbers correspond to the fingers. The thumbs are always 1, the index fingers are 2, the middle fingers are 3, the ring fingers are 4, and the pinky fingers are 5.

Fig. 4

It is also important to note that fingers 1 through 4 may cross over or under. Executing this technique smoothly is a necessity; otherwise, musical phrases will sound interrupted, rather than smooth and connected.

Major scales are grouped into three categories: first, second, and third class. This is done for the purpose of learning fingerings that are common from key to key.

The five first class major scales (C, G, D, A. and E) are given below.

Fig. 5 : First class major scales (C, G, D, A, and E)

In the second class major scales (D , G , and B), both thumbs land together on the same note. For example, in the key of D , the thumbs play the third and the seventh. This thumb placement is a result of all five black keys being used in each scale.

Fig. 6 : Second class major scales (D , G , and B)

The following is an introduction to a very basic exercise take from the Hanon book. This exercise should be played in all keys as they are introduced in the book. Play each note evenly and with distinction. The initial goal in tempo is to play a quarter note at 75 beats per minute.

Fig. 7 : Hanon exercise (Key of C). Learn in all keys.

In the third class group, the right hand fourth finger always plays B . The left hand will play the fourth degree of the scale with the fourth fingerexcept in the key of F, where the fourth finger plays the second degree.

Remember, in order to gain the maximum benefit from your practice time, you must play at a tempo where both hands can execute cleanly, clearly, and evenly. It is important to begin to increase tempo once a comfort level is reached.