There Is Only ONE Major Scale Fingering for Piano
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
- I put together a FREE PDF download to help you visualize this concept. It covers all major scales with their respective fingerings and shows you how the pattern is broken up. Check it out here: resources.betterpiano.com/maj...
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Download the free PDF here! resources.betterpiano.com/major-scale-finger-chart
Guys, I know this dude wtf
No you don't, get out of here
@@Better-PianoCannot believe that he would even think that he knew you. Obviously he has never seen you before. Honestly cannot believe this. ):
But for real, definitely subbing to both channels
@@Glytchon What a doof
@@Glytchon Thank you!!!
Alright, I'm sold. This also is just another way musicians can only count to 4.
EVERYTHING IS JUST 4/4
@@Better-Piano Unless you do compound and divide by 3?
This is Cornell content I needed. I’m a self taught pianist and I’m super excited to see things in a way that helps deepen my understanding. Blow us away Charles! (HEY NO NOT LIKE THAT SHUT UP STOP IT OKAY STOP IT)
Let me know what things you'd like to see covered!
@@Better-Piano I’d love some help with understanding diminished, augmented, sus, really any chord outside simple major and minor. Id love knowing where I can include them in a chord progression where they’ll feel natural or interesting. I can find interesting chords when playing, but it feels like random chance that I find something that feels like it belongs when I jam. Help me break my 1 6 4 5 brain
Or, simply speaking. The 3->1 movement is always between E and F, and the 4->1 movement is always between B and C. No matter what key you're in
Oooooo I love this. Yes, because of the groups of 2 and 3 black keys! Each requires a different number of fingers to negotiate. Makes complete sense!
Or, all major keys' standard fingerings are modes of the C major fingering.
@@GizzyDillespee This one took me a second, but YES
This is only true in C and all the flat keys (including Gb/F#), isn't it? All the sharp keys except for Gb/F# (ie the ones that start on white keys) just follow the 1231234 pattern starting on 1.
@@MRed0135 even in Gb major, the 3-1 transition occurs from Eb to F.
Thanks for all the visuals throughout. Instead of just listening, I was actually LEARNING :D
THANK you for this feedback, this is so great to hear. We'll be doing more of this for sure.
That kind of stuff is what I've always been missing on your main channel..!
Maybe in a later video you could talk about and demonstrate how to best practise scales to put them to use in a jazz context the best...
Absolutely! I LOVE talking about this stuff, but it sometimes just goes too deep for the main channel. I've been wanting to make a place for all of us piano nerds to dive into the details. Stoked to finally be doing it!
@@Better-Pianolooking forward..!
@@Better-PianoI'm excited!
So very helpful! I am totally soaking this up. Thank you for making videos.
WHAT THE REVELATION!!! You knocked cord frustration right out the park😊!!! I knight you Sir Charles!!!
I’m also self learning on the keys; I started at age 68 now 71. I avoided cords as long as I could and this is triple next level knowledge.
This brings to mind the babies 6 years old banging on the pianos(prodigies). The little stumbling block was addressed and they moved on to something else. Like me, I avoided the confusion because I had no solution.
Again, thank you Sir Charles
So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for being here and keep practicing!
Love the new channel. Big fan of when you analyse popular songs but as a beginner who’s learning theory, these videos are brilliant.
I SO appreciate this comment. I really want to go deeper in ways that probably just wouldn't do very well on my main channel. Please feel free to request specific topics you'd like to see covered!
@@Better-Piano Thank you 👍🏾
Maybe a video on rhythm/how to actually play chords in an interesting way could be cool in the future. I feel like my knowledge on building interesting chords is decent, but I’m lacking the ability to play them in an interesting way. I’d love to see how to merge them with melody in cool ways (something like Anomalie).
@@Better-Piano Do a similar video on minor key fingering. Perhaps analyze all three modes.
I learned something
As a guitar player I was always confused why in Ab playing around the tonal center of Bb the pianist would say "the song is in F minor" like why??? It's fingers! The anatomy of a human hand and that's awesome!
Thank you for pointing this out.
Self evident when you realise it.
Just like the (standard) modes are all the same scale,
you just start on a different note.
Patterns rule 🎶
I *_knew_* that I’d eventually learn something from you! This is that video!
Can someone explain to me how it works on the left hand please? 😶
Same thing only start with the descending scale (going down): 123 1234 or some pattern with that offset as in the RH examples.
This is amazing! I’m also looking at buying the intro to piano course, I like to hear these little beginner tips and tricks because it just helps visualize the patterns and the physicality of the piano, I’d love a video on playing both hands at the same time, that’s my BIGGEST nemesis, so some practice drills or super easy songs or something would be awesome! :) you’re awesome Charles! Don’t stop with Better Piano, I’m loving these informative videos!!!!!!!!!! ❤
god i wish i'd been taught this back when i was learning, remembering all the fingerings was a killer!
I really love the connection you made with the scale fingering in different keys. Great resource and really valuable connection to make for beginners
charles i love this channel concept (and i'm commenting on each video for the algorithm boost). i've always loved your theory stuff, and now instead of having to scrounge through your reaction vids for theory nuggets, i can get a full video of you teaching us this stuff!!
That way of viewing major scale fingering makes it sooo easy to understand and remember. I love the simple way you teach the technical side of playing piano as much as the way you analyse and explain music theory. You Ro... Jazz, keep up the awesome work !
Thanks so much for this!! You Jazz, also!
Thank you so much for this, it's incredibly helpful.
Truly.
And I rarely comment on videos...
You are a wonderful player and teacher and I enjoy your channel very much.
Loved the video! Exactly what I was looking for as a beginner. Would really love to see the same video but for pentatonics.
Anyways, really appreciate your work! Cheers!
Simplifying concepts is the definition of Genius, specially "confusing" concepts or ideas like The Modes, which I was only able to understand by learning them as major scales. Would you consider making a video about that? (like Dorian being a major scale a whole step below the root and so on...) Thanks for enthusiastic approach and great content! Cheers!
This guy’s onto something
You're onto something
This was honestly a mind-expanding lesson. So well done.
Thanks so much! Glad you found it helpful
So glad this channel has been created, thanks Charles! I’ve been watching your videos for years, and I also bought every one of your lessons on your website. But for RUclips this is more my style of content (not necessarily the level, I’m self-taught but I’d consider myself intermediate-level… just the educational aspect). I’d love to see some content covering the practical application of some more complex chords and scales, specifically as it pertains to emotional value within music :) for instance, why we would use a diminished to pull out a certain feeling/emotion as opposed to just using the minor
Thanks so much for your support! Definitely would love to dive into that stuff. Consider it done.
This was really helpful, thanks! As someone who doesn't learn well by rote memorisation, it really helps to have a system.
This is such a good video. What an observation, Charles!
Hell yeah. I’d love a video on comping (I work exclusively in midi so I’m trying to wrap my head around rhythmic patterns since they don’t come naturally to me)
Thanks, Charles -- this video is so hopeful.
Thanks, that's so great to hear!
@@Better-Piano ha, i meant to say helpful but for me i could see helpful and hopeful!
What about left hand? Is it just mirrored??
I like to think for all keys have flat accidentals, the thumbs on both left and right hand always land on C and F, except Gb major (thumbs on B and F), but it still kinda follows this “rule” because B is actually C with flat accidental, this simplifies the brain work sooo much.
i have never thought which fingers i use for which notes i just sorta play with whatever is most convenient at the time
Amazing! A huge gate gust opened for me!! :D
Charles looking big 💪
I don’t even play piano but I’m here for it 👍👍
It doesn't stop there though.
If you flip the standard fingering 123 1234 1 around, you get 1 4321 421 which is the standard fingering for the left hand. The exact same system holds for the left hand. Like with the right hand, all the left hand fingerings are just different inversions of the standard left hand pattern. There are 7 possible inversions for this fingering which are mirrored in both hands (Left hand on the left, right hand on the right):
1 4321 321 - 123 1234 1
21 4321 32 - 23 1234 12
321 4321 3 - 3 1234 123
1 321 4321 - 1234 123 1
21 321 432 - 234 123 12
321 321 43 - 34 123 123
4321 321 4 - 4 123 1234
For every major scale you play, the left hand will play one of the seven inversions on the left side and the right hand will play one of the seven inversions on the right side. But it is essentially the same fingering for both hands.
However, it goes even further. Not only is that true for both hands and all the major scales, it is also true for all the minor scales. All major and minor scales can be played with these seven inversions of the same fingering.
But the truely mind blowing thing is that this not only works on all major (ionian) and minor (aeolian) scales, but on litereally all of the standard modes. All modes (ionian, dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian, aeolian, locrian) in all 12 keys can be played efficiently by using one of the seven inversions on the left for the left hand, and one of the seven inversions on the right for the right hand. If anybody cared to dig a bit deeper into the modes of the melodic and harmonic minor, I highly suspect that most, if not all of those scales use the same fingering as well. I haven't come around to look into that yet, but maybe somebody else has.
Unfortunately, it seems like there is no rhyme or reason which inversion should be used for a given scale. Sometimes the left and right hand mirror each other, but most of the time they don't. Sometimes a mode has the same fingering as the major scale that starts on the same note. Sometimes a mode will have the same fingering as the parent major or minor scale. Sometimes both and sometimes neither. I have been trying to figure out an easy to remember pattern for this for a couple of days now, but even though I noticed a few useful patterns, the whole thing seems to be way to irregular to be useful. It gets worse when we consider that unlike with the standard major and minor scales, there is no standard fingering for any of the other modes.
If you liked that, wait until you find out that the finger pattern for F major and all the black note major scales is actually just the EXACT same as C with the black keys added in. Seriously, 4 is always on B. All you're doing is adding the black keys in (like adding B-flat in for F major, for example). Try it out by playing any black note major scale but starting on C, and you'll find the fingering is the same always.
Doesn't hold true for the left hand, unfortunately, but pretty helpful for the right hand. For the left hand fingering, C, D, E, F, G and A all have the same fingering as each other (4 on the 2nd degree of the scale). A-flat, B-flat, D-flat and E-flat are all the same fingering (4 on the 4th degree). The two exceptions are F-sharp/G-flat and B major. They have the same finger pattern as each other, just starting on different keys (i.e. both have 4 on F-sharp/G-flat).
Nice break down.
Excellent video! I discovered the same thing not too long back, but I figured it out by thinking about modes: I like to think of this concept as applying flats or sharps to C major: F major is the same as C mixolydian, so F major fingers just as if you're playing C major, but with a lowered 7th (B♭). I start on C and treat it like a C scale, and then just relocate my starting point to F to acquaint myself with how it feels from there.
You can continue adding flats to get:
• C dorian (B♭ major)
• C aeolian (E♭ major)
• C phrygian (A♭ major)
• C locrian (D♭ major)
• and even to C♭lydian (G♭ major; aka B lydian/F# major)
And of course adding a sharp gets you C lydian (G major). Adding another sharp would sharpen the tonic, C, which would make C# locrian, a mode of D major, which as was mentioned in the video, fingers exactly like C major. Etc. for adding further sharps.
With the 7 white-key scales shown in the video to finger just like C major ( A, B, D, E, G all the same as C; F being the same but starting on the group of 4 rather than 3) and the five black-keys scales I've mentioned above (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭; also covered in the video, in a non-modal way), all 12 keys are covered, and have the same fingering.
Yes!! Love it.
This is really great esp for someone who wasn't sure about playing scales across multiple octaves. What about the left hand?
It's really great that Charles's twin brother started a youtube channel!
SHHHHHH! We don't talk about that out loud
Dude I literally stayed away from practicing scales cuz everywhere I ask if there’s a standard fingering chart nobody seems to have a answer. I just want to go in everyday and get this done. That being said, is there a specific fingering pattern for blues scales or pentatonic scales or minor scales in all keys? And how do u improvise with these when u have ur muscle memory down, like skipping notes or how do u go up and down more easily without breaking ur flow? Thanks a lot !
Open the Hanon piano book at the end and there are the fingerings. However it is totally false what he says about fingerings. Only for scale exercises it stays the same
Thanks, any help with the left hand fingering to make that easier?
The only thing I’m confused on is how do I know which finger to start on?
You can also use the major scale fingering pattern for the natural minor scales because of their relationship. It's just a matter of where you start.
Bingo!
Cool. I’ve never been gaslit over scale fingering before. They’re all exactly the same! 😶
“There’s no trick to it … It’s just a simple trick!” 😶
Ignore this comment
I’m leaving this comment to document that I was the 778th subscriber to this channel. 😂
You will be remembered by history, you absolute legend
TLDR; all scales are the same fingering once you account for the differences
So when does the fitness course come out?
How would this work in relation to chords like grips? :)
I think he is maybe a piano player? Idk I just feel like I recognise this guy… hmm, fishy indeed.
Here's my question: did you make the logo to go with the second channel, or did you make the second channel just so you could use that logo?
Sweet..... *tries with left hand*.........
I'm only half in agreement with this. Yes, the C major fingering aspect is relevant, but i don't agree about the concept of always avoiding black notes with the thumb. Ok I'm a professional, but piano technique which developes the use of the arm and wrist does give the facility to play every scale, including those that start on black notes, with C major fingering simply starting on the root (though I use F major fingering as thumb then lands on I and V of the scale.) Unless the scale has to been done at breakneck speed this is very do-able and for me is a superior system, especially for sight reading and improvisation as it treats the keyboard more like a fret board . 95 percent of the time I'm comfortable doing this, and only switch if the speed of a scale passage is very, very quick. I recognise most of the channels are focused on beginner/intermediate but I've yet to find a channel that addresses the limitations of the "thumb on white notes" approach. I'm curious as to how Mr Cornell actually deals with improv and transposition in his personal approach.
That's valid! I've never considered playing a major scale that starts on a black key with the default scale fingering. Thinking about your approach, particularly the detail about using the F major version, I can see how it would be possible! Even comfortable, if you're especially used to it. I would guess that the vast majority of players, including myself, would be uncomfortable starting on 1, but there's no reason it can't be done. Outside of scales, that "no thumbs on black notes" thing absolutely isn't applicable. I use my 1st fingers on black keys literally all the time. I'll say that if I'm playing a "run" in any direction and with either hand, that scale technique tends to apply, but not out of it being a "rule" and much more because it's what I'm used to and it's what's comfortable. It sounds like you're used to using your 1st fingers on black keys all the time, which can absolutely work!
I really appreciate your reply and the diligence you afford your channel. I sincerely hope it grows and you do well, as your knowledge and approach is impressive. To paraphrase, I pretty much play the same fingering in every key, but this of course applies to the improv aspect of playing as opposed to classical music where the most efficient fingering can be used simply because you know what's coming next! Where I was going with this was more the nature of piano technique. It is something I rarely see addressed and I feel it is assumed that sheer repetition of material aka scales, will magically create a good technique. All too often I meet examples of this approach which have ended in total failure. I know way too many classical based players with very poor technique indeed. Hence my thoughts that someone like yourself could do a series of videos running through the use of the arm, wrist, shoulder, and the relevant physiology, along with utilisation of gravity, relaxation etc. Anyone studying music is in it for the long game, and sorting one's technique should be up there on the list of priorities.
I've had my little say on this subject so enough from me! Good luck. I certainly shall visit your channel regularly.
My question is: how do we apply our scales to songs?
For example, let's say I'm playing a song in C major, and we have a section where you arpeggiate an E minor chord in root position. Taking our scale knowledge literally, it would seem to suggest that we should play the E with our third finger, but then play the G with our second finger. That makes no sense. Why did I just learn to finger the scale that way when something as simple as a diatonic chord in root position breaks the fingering?
This is a great question. The answer probably requires a video, but generally speaking, there are two reasons this wouldn't be an issue. First, it sounds like you might be conflating "playing a song in C major" with specifically using the C major scale. Despite playing the overall song with a home base in C major, the chords themselves would change constantly throughout the song, each calling for a completely new scale. Secondly, the scale becomes not a scale anymore as soon as we begin arpeggiating the notes of a chord. Now it's an arpeggio, which calls for a completely different fingering approach. So it doesn't break the fingering, so to speak, you're just now playing an entirely different thing!
How is the pattern for left hand then?
I was thinking of Sesame Street.
123 4 5 67 89 10... 11 12!
Is it possible that the reason F-major is different from the other white-key scales is because it is a flat scale, as opposed to the other white-key scales, which are all sharp keys?
That could be one way to look at it, but in the most simple terms- it's just because it would be physically difficult and inefficient to try and play that Bb with our 1st finger (thumb) crossing under from 3 as we would with a normal white key scale! When it comes down to it, scale fingerings are just ways to manage the natural shape of our hands! It's about making it as easy and efficient as possible so that we can increase speed and maintain accuracy.
I think what's the most problematic is the left hand than the right hand I have never seen somebody struggling wiith RH, but I know many, that struggle with left hand and both hands
The left hand is hard!
what about two hands?
And when I play two-hands together?
This makes me think that teaching the modes of C Major and their fingerings might be a good idea. First teach the modes, then add accidentals until you have all the scales with the same fingerings!
I thought i was gonna get a tutorial on the Alan Jackson/All -4-One song.
Looks like the 123 is on the first three notes of some mode rooted on C 🤔
You're onto something here!
I think Eb is my favorite
Eb is pretty great, tbh
I'll vote for E. I always end up playing Eb songs in E :)
charles do you have a perfect pitch ?
I do not!
Is a black note an accidental if they are part of scales natural path? Accidentals have now become more complicated than scales! 😂
To remember the patterns I consult the circle of fifths. The black keys stack up in certain orders, the flat keys form the top and the sharp keys from the bottom. The groups of two and three black keys alternate while stacking. It is logical that the stacking starts with the cluster of three black keys, because there is one more.
Bro is getting swole
He honestly needs to chill fr
Wait where’s all the Pokemon soundtrack reaction.
😂😂😂😂
Yeah this is cool and all lol
but when you start to add the left hand,
you're doing like B major , start 4 and 1 on right and others in the circle of
4ths or 5ths respectfully.
You're going to be compeltely opposite patterns and your dom hand is usually the one you end up counting,
so just learn the fingerings for the muscle memory, and fuck all this hocus pocus.
also I notice to, if you learn it always like this, You're going to get into the habit of accenting the # you're swithcing too.
Since this isn't a bop scale. you're accenting the wrong shit.
I need a part 2 with Jesus for the Four part harmony course tho lol.
Why is this dude copying your videos
Charles copied me from the start, idk what anyone's talking about, sheesh
@@Better-Piano You should report the other Charles for identity theft :)
Because WWHWWWH and its permutations.
YES!
You said remembering the scale fingerings is "complex". I stopped listening at that point. You're purposely being dishonest. Long time piano player bro.
As much as I love these basic videos, this did not need to be 13 minutes long. I feel like you're repeating yourself a LOT here. Not just the practical stuff, but whole sentences in the intro, even.