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 Four

Here are the features of SFG4.

• Left hand finger 3 (LH3) plays the tonic (always a black key);
• There is a group of three notes (3-2-1);
• Then LH4 comes over to start a group of four notes (4-3-2-1); and
• 'Convenience finger' LH2 comes over to finish the octave.

(To play further, LH3 comes over to start the next octave.)

The Group Four scales

Watch the video straight through to see how the Group Four fingering works, then play the scales one at a time.

Next:

• Study the scale specific keyboard and say out loud the number of flats and which they are;
• Find the group of three and the group of four notes, and bring LH2 over to complete the octave; and
• Play/practice the four individual scales. Use scale practice patterns, or just fly solo.

Notice that you always use 'convenience fingering' (LH2) to complete the octave, instead of the carry-on finger LH3.

B flat major

Two flats: B flat and E flat. The new accidental in the key signature always governs the fourth scale degree.

Note: LH2 on the upper B flat is a convenience finger - substitute for LH3.

E flat major

Three flats: E flat (the tonic), B flat (carried over), and A flat (on the fourth).

The LH2 on the upper E flat is a convenience finger - substitute for LH3.

A flat major

Four flats: A flat (the tonic), B and E flats (carried over), and new D flat (on the fourth). Remember - right hand only.

Note: The LH2 on the upper A flat is a convenience finger - substitute for LH3.

D flat major

Five flats: D flat (the tonic), B flat, E flat and a flat (carried over), and new G flat (on the fourth). Remember - left hand only.

The LH2 on the upper D flat is a convenience finger - substitute for LH3.

Now go on to learn the Group Five scales.