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Here's the best way to learn C Major Scale on Piano/Keyboard easily.
If you have ever wondered how to play C major scale, how it works and what the benefits are, then you are at the right place. With a simple formula you will learn to play C major scale. We'll start with the basics of scales.
WHAT ARE SCALES?
A scale is a collection of related 8 notes moving in a stepwise sequence, like a ladder. Each scale begins on its key note, which matches the name of the scale. For instance, if you are going to play C major scale, you’ll begin on the note C. Scales are usually played ascending (going up) then descending (going down). If a song uses the notes that appear in C major scale, then the song is said to be in the ‘key of C major’.
WHOLE STEP & HALF STEP – the building blocks of scales
In order to find out any Major Scale on Piano, we need to learn a formula of Whole Steps and Half Steps. So, here's a quick reminder of what Whole Steps & Half Steps are.
Half Step: A half step, or semitone, is the smallest interval between notes. Notes that are directly next to each other - such as B and C, or F sharp and G - are a half step apart.
Whole Step: A whole step is equal to two half steps or two semitones. If you play the note F on the piano, the note G is one whole step above it, and E flat is one whole step below it.
For a clear explanation and demonstration about Whole Step and Half Step watch this video
FORMULA FOR MAJOR SCALES
Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step.
PLAY C MAJOR SCALE - right hand fingering
ascending (going up)
Play Middle C with your Thumb (1st finger)
Play D with your Index Finger (2nd finger)
Play E with your Middle Finger (3rd finger)
Now, tuck your thumb (1st finger) under and play F.
Play G with your Index Finger (2nd finger)
Play A with your Middle Finger (3rd finger)
Play B with your Ring Finger (4th finger)
Play C with your Pinky (5th finger)
descending (going down)
Keep your pinky on C. Although, you don't have to strike the key again while going down.
Play B with your Ring Finger (4th finger)
Play A with your Middle Finger (3rd finger)
Play G with your Index Finger (2nd finger)
Play F with your Thumb (1st finger)
Now, cross over your Middle Finger (3rd Finger) and play E
Play D with your Index Finger (2nd finger)
Play Middle C with your Thumb (1st finger)
PLAY C MAJOR SCALE - left hand fingering
ascending (going up)
Play C with your Pinky (5th finger)
Play D with your Ring Finger (4th finger)
Play E with your Middle Finger (3rd finger)
Play F with your Index Finger (2nd finger)
Play G with your Thumb (1st finger)
Now, cross over your Middle Finger (3rd Finger) and play A
Play B with your Index Finger (2nd finger)
Play C with your Thumb (1st finger)
descending (going down)
Keep your Thumb on C. Although, you don't have to strike the key again while going down.
Play B with your Index Finger (2nd finger)
Play A with your Middle Finger (3rd finger)
Now, tuck your thumb (1st finger) under and play G.
Play F with your Index Finger (2nd finger)
Play E with your Middle Finger (3rd finger)
Play D with your Ring Finger (4th finger)
Play C with your Pinky (5th finger)
One thing you will notice as you start to play the C Major Scale on your piano is that you will be playing all white keys because the notes are all natural.
Also, try to practice this scale with both hands together. Start at a slow speed and gradually increase your speed day by day.
You can find all the other Major Scales on our Youtube Channel - Yeshu Ke Geet
FINAL WORDS
Anyone can make up a scale, if you are feeling experimental, why not have a go? It is an interesting way to see the impact of a scale and key on the character of the music. Enjoy exploring this musical pattern.