Piano Scales...Major and Natural Minor
Major piano scales are composed of a series of five
whole and two half steps in this sequence: whole step, whole step, half step, whole
step, whole step, whole step, half step. So, based upon this sequence a C major
scale would be comprised of the following tones: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C (octave).
Lets refer back to our piano graphic and count the steps. C to D is a whole step,
D to E whole step, E to F half step (notice no black note between), F to G whole
step, G to A whole step, A to B whole step and we finish our C Major piano scale
with B to octave C half step (again notice no black note between).
Let's try a few more for practice. The D major scale would contain the scale tones
of: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D (octave). D to E is a whole step, E to F# whole step,
F# to G half step (notice we "stepped" down from a black tone to a white one), G
to A whole step, A to B whole step, B to C# whole step, (from white key to black
key) and we finish the D Major piano scale with C# to octave D half step (again
black tone to white tone).
One more, this time we will begin with F#. The piano scale tones would be F#, G#,
A#, B, C#, D#, F, F# (octave). Again, this major scale follows our rules of whole
step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, and half step.
Based upon this sequence of whole steps and half steps, you can now build major
scales upon any key on the piano.
A music term you need to become familiar with is interval. An interval is
simply the distance from one piano scale tone to another. So again using the C major
scale, C to D is a Second, C to E is a Third, C to F is a Fourth, C to G is a Fifth,
C to A is a Sixth, C to B is a Seventh, and C to C is an Octave. This is the interval
order ascending (going up) the piano keyboard.
What you need to do now is, by using these rules for building scales construct the
major scales for all 12 keys. To help you with this "task" we have provided a link
to a cool tool which will show you the tones (notes) of the major scales in all
12 keys. Just click on a note for example "A" and scale "Major" and the notes for
an "A" major scale will be spelled out on the "virtual piano keyboard".
Go to major scales now
and click on a few to see how they look on the piano keyboard. When you are done
close the window and you will be brought back to this page. You may have noticed
on this application a multitude of scales we have not covered. For now, the study
of major and minor piano scales will be sufficient for these lessons.
After you learn the notes of the scales, practice all 12 of the major scales with
both hands. As you become more proficient at playing, gradually increase the tempo
(speed) at which you practice your scales. At first you may practice each hand individually.
But as soon as possible, practice using both hands simultaneously (at the same time).
I cannot stress enough how important it is to master this part of your piano training.
Scale (not just major scales) passages appear in many popular recordings. When you
practice your scales, I want you to use the fingering technique I have outlined
here,
scale fingering technique. This technique works with major and minor piano
scales and will help with your finger dexterity and control. Now, get to work practicing
those major scales!
