Piano Scales...Major and Natural MinorMajor 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! Piano Scales-Natural MinorThis means that both A minor and C major are comprised of the same tones (notes). If you start at A (any A tone (note) on the piano keyboard) and play all the white notes to octave A, you can count the series of whole and half steps which make up a natural minor scale. The sequence is whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step. Take a look at our piano graphic below.
A to B is a whole step, B to C is a half step (notice no black key in between), C to D is a whole step, D to E is a whole step, E to F is a half step (again no black tone (note) between), F to G is a whole step, and we finish the A natural minor piano scale with G to octave A whole step. What we have done is taken the A major scale and lowered (flatted) the 3rd, 6th, and 7th tones (notes) a half step. Now lets do one more this time beginning with one of the black piano keys, G#/Ab. Using our rules for forming natural minor scales and beginning on G#/Ab we have the tones (notes); G#/Ab, A#/Bb, B, C#/Db, D#/Eb, E, F#/Gb, and G#/Ab (octave). G#/Ab to A#/Bb is a whole step, A#/Bb to B is a half step (notice you went from a black key to the white key immediately adjacent which is a B), B to C#/Db is a whole step (remember B to C is a half step because the two tones (notes) are immediately adjacent to each other), C#/Db to D#/Eb is a whole step, D#/Eb to E is a half step (again you move from a black key to the white key immediately adjacent to D#/Eb which is an E), E to F#/Gb is a whole step, and we finish the G#/Ab natural minor piano scale with F#/Gb to octave G#/Ab whole step. By using these rules you can now construct a natural minor scale from any point (key) on the piano keyboard. If you would like to see the natural minor scales in all 12 keys click on minor scales and you will be transported via our link to Chordhouse.com to their "virtual piano keyboard". Just pick a key (C, D, F#/Gb, etc) and click Aeolian (refer to our section on "Modes") and the notes for a natural minor scale will appear on the keyboard. When you are finished close the window and you will be brought back here. Practice these piano scales with bothhands until you can move smoothly (not necessarily quickly) from beginning to end and back againin all 12 keys. 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. So get to it and practice those natural minor scales! |