1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Piano: Why Scales are Important

For many students, practicing piano scales may feel like a meaningless chore imposed by their teachers. The most common mistake is thinking of scales as merely an exercise to warm up your hands. If your fingers are moving while your mind is thinking about other things, then you are not getting the most from your effort.

There are many benefits from the regular, mindful practice of piano scales. Scales teach you which notes belong in each key. They develop your technique and dexterity. They can also improve your timing (when playing with a metronome) and help train your ear. The key is to engage your mind while practicing. Take the time to understand what you are playing and why.

You may already know that sheet music is played in a particular key, determined by the key signature. For example, if the song is in the key of D Major, the key signature will list F# and C#. These are the notes that are sharp in the D Major scale. (Note: accidentals are beyond the scope of this article.) If you want to transpose a song, jazz it up, or compose your own music, it is important to know which notes belong in each key.

When learning scales, purchase an instructional book. A book of piano scales will explain the underlying theory, the recommended fingering, and more. One good book is The Complete Book of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios, & Cadences, from Alfred Publishing. (ISBN: 0739003682). Your teacher or local music store may have additional recommendations.

Where to Begin:

You should first learn the Major scales. Start with C, which has no sharps or flats. Move through each scale in the order of how many sharps are in that key. For example, after C, learn G (which has F#), then D (F#, C#), then A (F#, C#, G#), etc. After learning all the sharps, move through the flats in the same manner. Begin with F (Bb), then Bb (Bb, Eb), etc.

Books of scales may refer to this as the Circle of Fifths. (G is the 5th of C, D is the 5th of G, etc.) The sharps move clockwise from the top of the circle to the bottom, while the flats move counter-clockwise. You do not have to learn the full theory behind the Circle of Fifths to benefit from scale work.

Learn the Fingering:

Fingering refers to which finger you use to play each note. Fingering can be a matter of preference, however, the fingering listed in scale books is often the most comfortable for most pianists. Proper fingering will allow you to play more evenly and rapidly.

First, practice each hand individually. Play

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Piano: Why scales are important?
We want to hear your view. Write now!