This page is an example of how Musicarta can help you learn your scales efficiently. Revive your scale practice regime and start reaping the benefits of ‘knowing your keys’!

The first part of this module addresses key signature.The second part of the module explains scale fingering.

This material is in the key of D because it also forms part of the Musicarta Canon Project, and Pachelbel’s Canon is in the key of D major.

D major shares the same fingering pattern as the C, G, A and E scales (the 'Group One' scales). Scale practice pattern work in D major applies to all these other scales.

The bulk of the module presents a basic collection of scale practice patterns. Adding rhythm and contour to scale practice hugely multiplies its value - and enjoyability.

The scale practice patterns are presented as line-diagram ‘cues’ for note-free practice, and are intended to be used to practice scales in all other keys.

The key signature

This diagram shows one octave of D major scale-tones. It could be anywhere on the keyboard.

The replaced white keys F and C have been greyed out, along with the black keys you do not use. This is how the well-schooled keyboard player sees the keyboard as soon as he or she sees the two-sharp key signature.

(Note that, if a key signature shows two sharps, they are always F sharp and C sharp.)

D major scale fingering

The main reason for learning scales in keyboard playing is to learn keys. If you know your D major scale, you know what the key of D major ‘looks like’, and you will be much less likely to play wrong notes.

Here is our sample octave of D major showing which fingers play which notes. (Use keys in the middle of your keyboard if you want to experiment.)

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The rest of the Musicarta Scales material:

• How the sharps and flats build up;
• Key-specific Keyboard diagrams
• How to immediately name a major key from the key signature;
• Contour scale practice patterns;
• Rhythmic scale practice patterns;
• Scale-tone practice patterns
• Pentatonic scales
• Modes
  

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Scale practice patterns

The thumb-under movement, hands separately

Practice the right hand thumb-under movement three times, then complete the octave.

Practice the left hand thumb-under movement in the same way. You will play from the top.

Thumb under, hands together

The main challenge when playing scales with both hands together is that there is a third-finger-over or thumb-under movement in one hand while the other hand is playing simple 1–2–3–4–5 or 5–4–3–2–1.

This is something that needs practice. Here is a study for this challenging movement.

Note: You can practice the right hand on its own first if you need to.

The thumb-under/third-finger-over movements are still boxed in the MS, but the black key F sharp is not circled - you read the key signature. Both third fingers play an F sharp.

Practice until the fingering is ‘in your hand’.

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