The Musicarta Scale Fingering Groups pages explain in a methodical how the scales at the keyboard are fingered. Start with Group One and work through the series consistently to build a reliable 'bird's-eye view', as per the Scale Fingering Group diagram below.

Scale Fingering Group Two

The fingering is the 'standard' scale fingering that most people remember.

You start with the little finger (LH5) on the tonic (name-note of the scale), and play the group of five notes (5-4-3-2-1), then pass the third finger (LH3) over and play the group of three notes (3-2-1) to complete the octave.

That is:

5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 3 - 2 - 1

From C, you add sharps (one for G, two for D etc.) as you progress through through the sharp keys. The last sharp added always governs the seventh scale-tone.

Going 'back' into the flat keys, F major takes a flat on the fourth, B (B flat), but you can still play the scale with the 'C major fingering', because tonic F is still a white key.

The Group Two scales

Watch the video straight through to let the overall plan sink in.

Here are the key signatures for the Group Two scales/keys.

Next:

• Study each scale-specific keyboard, counting off the 'accidentals' (sharps/flats);
• Identify the 'group of five' and 'group of three' notes, incorporating the key signature; and
• Play/practice the scale. Use scale practice patterns as desired.

If necessary, use the 3 x 5 + 1 x 8 drill (LH only) to smooth things out.

C major

All white keys - no sharps or flats.

Just the LH/bass clef at the moment. The lozenge shape indicates the tonic/name-note. Use the lower (LH) row of fingering (top row = RH). More info on key-specific keyboards here.

G major

One sharp: F#, the semitone below the octave/tonic. Remember - left hand only for now.

D major

Two sharps: F# (carried over from G) and C sharp. The new sharp is always the semitone below the octave.

A major

Three sharps: F#, C# and G#. Just the left hand!

E major

Four sharps: F#, C#, G#, and new D#. (Left hand only.)

F major

F major: One flat - B flat (LH2).

Now go on to the Group Three scales.