Scales have a reputation for being boring, but a short, well-planned scale routine can improve finger control, evenness and your sense of the keyboard. This article shows a simple way to practice them without aimless up-and-down repetition.
What scale practice is for
Scales train the fingers to move smoothly and give you a map of the keyboard. Because so much music is built from scales, familiar patterns start to appear in the pieces you play. The goal is not speed for its own sake. It is control: every note at the volume and timing you intend.
Start with fingering, hands separate
Choose one standard fingering for each scale and stick to it. Learn the right hand alone, then the left hand alone, and only then put them together. Playing hands separately lets you notice problems, especially at the thumb crossing, without also coordinating the other hand.
Many teachers suggest starting with scales that share similar finger patterns, such as C, G, D and A major, before moving on to ones with more black keys. Others start with a scale like B flat major, which fits the hand comfortably. Either approach can work; ask your teacher if you have one.
Build evenness before speed
Speed tends to arrive on its own once a scale is even. To work on evenness:
- Play slowly enough that every note has the same weight and length.
- Listen for a “bump” when the thumb passes under, and fix it before going faster.
- Keep the wrist level and let the hand travel smoothly with the notes, as described in how to improve piano technique.
Use rhythms to fix uneven spots
Playing a scale in different rhythms, such as long-short or short-long patterns, helps you find weak fingers. The site Practising the Piano, for example, describes playing a scale in several long and short patterns. Keep the pulse steady and put the accent on the first note of each group. After each rhythm, play the scale evenly again and listen for improvement.
Use a metronome and increase tempo gradually
Set a metronome to a slow, comfortable speed (see subdividing music and rhythm for how to count against the click). When you can play the scale several times in a row with no mistakes and no tension, raise the tempo by a small amount. If errors return, go back down. Gradual progress tends to last longer than rushed progress.
A simple 10-minute routine
- Two minutes: one scale, right hand alone, slowly.
- Two minutes: the same scale, left hand alone.
- Three minutes: hands together, with a metronome, evenly.
- Two minutes: a rhythm pattern on the same scale.
- One minute: play the scale loudly, then softly, to practice control.
Rotate through a different scale each day, or work on one new scale per week, and fit it into a piano practice routine. Once the basics are comfortable, you can also try more unusual scales, such as the D major blues scale or the C diminished scale.
How to memorize scales
There are twelve major scales, but they all follow the same pattern of whole and half steps (W–W–H–W–W–W–H). Memorizing the pattern, the notes, and the fingering together usually works better than memorizing finger positions alone.
Helpful steps:
- Learn the formula once so you can build any scale.
- Group scales by shared fingering.
- Say the notes aloud as you play.
- Review a few older scales each day so they do not fade.
Russian scales and the 80/20 idea
“Russian scales” is a term some teachers use for a way of practicing scales in different patterns or with offset hands. It is used differently by different teachers, so check what yours means.
The “80/20 rule” is a general idea that a small part of your practice produces most of your results. For scales, that could mean spending most of your time on the few spots that cause problems, such as the thumb crossings, rather than replaying the parts you already play well.
Avoid tension
Fast, forced scales can lead to tension in the hand and forearm. If you feel pain or tightness, stop and rest. Relaxed shoulders, a loose wrist and slow practice usually help. Persistent pain is worth discussing with a teacher or health professional.
FAQ
What are the 12 major scales? They are the major scales starting on C, G, D, A, E, B, F♯/G♭, D♭, A♭, E♭, B♭ and F. Each uses the same whole-step and half-step pattern.
What is the best way to memorize scales? Learn the formula, group scales by finger pattern, and review a few every day.
How long should I practice scales? Even ten minutes can be useful, but follow your teacher’s advice for your level.