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

Other Scales with 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

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.

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