Scales - Dos and Don'ts

I cannot stress enough the importance of scales. Yes, I know they are boring, but if you are fluent in scales and play them well, you will have tackled at least 50% of any music. Key signatures, running passages, fingering... they are all found in scales. To ensure that you have learned them the right way, there are a few dos and don'ts:

DO:

• Practice them regularly
• Use different rhythmic patterns
• Learn all chromatic, major, harmonic minor, and melodic minor keys (try pentatonic,or whole tone ones too - they are fun!)
• Try to play them in contrary motion (opposite directions starting on the same note)
• Start from 1 octave and move to at least 2 if not 4 octaves per scale
• Use a metronome and increase your speed as you progress
• Use the correct fingering
• Relax and have fun!

DON'T:

• Shake your wrists with each beat - count with your mouth or in your head; not with your wrists
• Use the "coin at the back of your hand" method - you will ruin your piano technique. Use your arms!
• Stiffen up your fingers/wrists. They should be flexible and fluid-like
• Play them as loud as possible - you want firm fingers, but not hammering ones

Scales can be fun. Vary the rhythm. Try these below or create your own!



How do you practice your scales? Please share your story.