Fingering Scales on the Piano
On this page we'll show you some basic patterns for fingering scales on the piano. We'll show you the finger number patterns first for the C major scale, and the number patterns for the other major scales.
Practice the scales slowly and with an even beat. Try the scales with each hand individually at first. When you get comfortable with them, then try both hands together. Try to make all of the notes sound with the same volume. Play the scales "legato," an Italian term that means to play the notes smoothly and connected.
After you've learned the proper way for fingering the C scale, try some other scales. Many of the white key notes will have the same number pattern for fingering scales.
C Major Scale Fingering
The C major scale is simply the white keys played from "C" to "C." Though you may have never played a "major scale," I'm sure you know what it sounds like: "Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La ,Ti, Do."
Other Scales with the Same Finger Pattern
Fingering scales: Here are some other major scales that use the same finger pattern:
R.H. = 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
L.H. = 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
G Major : G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G
D Major : D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D
A Major : A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A
E Major : E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E
B Major : B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B
For B Major, the R.H. is the same as above, (1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
The L.H. is : 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1.
F Major : F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F
For F Major, the L.H. is the same as above, (5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1)
The R.H. is : 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4.
Major Scales Starting On Black Keys
Fingering scales: Major scales starting on black key notes are different than above.
Bb Major : Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb
R.H. = 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4.
L.H. = 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3.
Eb Major : Eb, F, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb
R.H. = 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3.
L.H. = 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 2.
Ab Major : Ab, Bb, C, Dd, Eb, F, G, Ab
R.H. = 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3.
L.H. = 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 2.
Db Major : Dd, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db
R.H. = 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2.
L.H. = 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 2.
Gb Major : Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, Gb
R.H. = 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2.
L.H. = 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 2.
Start Playing Piano Today with the Piano Guide Quick Start Course!
Easy to follow step-by-step lessons designed for adult beginners. The next best thing to private lessons!
What You'll Learn:
- Notes on the piano/keyboard
- Proper fingering
- C major scale
- Chords
- How to read music
- And much more!
Video lessons - watch as I play everything for you.
