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APPENDIX 6 KEYBOARD EXERCISES (SCALES, TRIADS, AND
CHORD PROGRESSIONS)
Playing Major Scales on the Keyboard
Play the following major scales using the finger number given above the scale for the right hand and finger
number below the scale for the left hand. Notice that we have five digits, but the scale consists of eight notes.
In the first five scales (C, G, D, A, E), three fingers will play twice. In the last two scales (B, F), the fifth finger
does not play in one of the hands.
• Beginning with the thumb on each hand, the digits are numbered from one to five. The thumb is refered to
as a finger for convenience.
• For the first five scales (C G D A E): when ascending in the right hand (RH), the thumb crosses
under the
third finger. When descending, the third finger will cross over the thumb.
• For the first five scales (C G D A E): when ascending in the left hand (LH), the third finger crosses over the
thumb. When descending, the thumb crosses under the third finger.
• For the last two scales (B F), the fingering changes for one of the hands.
• Practice slowly, hands separately. If possible, then play hands together, one octave apart as shown in the
C major scale below.
C major
1
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 3 2 1 3 2 1
5 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5