Scales and Piano Fingering System

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Now that you have some of the piano basics, it is time to start your training by practicing directly on the C major chord. As we already discussed, the music scale begins with the C key at the very left side of the piano keyboard.

Students are taught to play by learning the fingers that correspond to the different keys. Fingers on both the left hand and right hand have the same numbers assigned, but different positions taking as reference to middle C, located in the middle part of the piano.

The fingering system assigns a number to each finger as follows:

LEFT HAND:
Thumb = finger #1
Index = finger #2
Middle finger = finger #3
Ring finger = finger #4
Little linger = finger #5

RIGHT HAND:
Thumb = finger #1
Index = finger #2
Middle finger = finger #3
Ring finger = finger #4
Little linger = finger #5

Start your practicing by playing the C major chord in this sequence:

LEFT
C = finger #5
E = finger #3
G = finger #1

RIGHT
C = finger #1
E = finger #3
G = finger #5

Mastering the finger system is not an easy task when it comes to learning music as an aspiring concert pianist , and it may become rather hard learning to play triad chords. This is, when you need to play 3 or more notes together at a time.

However, correct digitations improves speed in crescendo, allowing you to play basic melodies and improvisations. Fast playing only comes with years or practice or the full understanding and coordination of fingers and hand movements required to play faster.

Mistakes are a normal part of your training and you should not worry after playing the wrong key, although it is advisable to take it easy and avoid trying to increase your speed until natural tension that dominates novice piano players disappears.

Continue your training by trying the major and minor scales. Your learning material should provide you with information to identify each of the piano keys and fingers correspondence. Otherwise take this sequence as a guidance to start your practice:

C major Scale: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C
Right hand Fingering: 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, moving your thumb underneath to play F after play E