You could choose to dedicate one week at a time to each hand, to give yourself plenty of time to learn the new finger patterns. This article has been viewed 11,672 times. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. This would include the first 4 notes of this scale. A chromatic scale is a series of 12 half steps up and 12 half steps down. Remember you are going to play 12 notes total in this Chromatic Scale and you will play every white and black key between Middle C and the C and octave higher. The rest of the notes are all a whole step apart. Scales and arpeggios also build strength, balance, and touch for all pianists. Notice where the 1/2 notes are in the C minor scale above. Play the note a half step above the first (C#) with your middle finger (finger 3). A Mode is a specific type of scale, such as Major, Minor, and Chromatic. The standard fingering for the chromatic scale, starting from C, is 1313123131345 for one ascending octave of the RH (the top is fingered for a return). Play the first note (C) with your index finger (finger 1). Only three fingers are used to play the scale. Play the next note (G) with your thumb (finger 1). Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. As you play the Eb, bring your thumb (finger 1) underneath your middle finger (finger 3). Grade 4. My recommendation is that you become familiar with the sound of the pattern for all major, minor and chromatic scales and arpeggios practicing them over a short range of one to two octaves at first, extending them to the full compass of the piano over time. Play the first note (C) with your index finger (finger 1). Now let's find out the great fingering for you to learn how to play Chromatic Scales quickly! * Again, alternate between the 1st and 3rd fingers for the white and black keys that are played together. Take just the first 2 notes and play them a few times. Below we have another chromatic scale starting on C which if you were to play, would sound a chromatic scale. How to Play Chromatic Scale on Piano with Right Hand. Learn what numbers correspond with what fingers. The difference between the two hands is seen in this specific way, in how you finger the white/white keys. Always review what you learned the day before to help reinforce it. This is really important in helping you to learn these scales quickly. The chromatic scale contains twelve pitches, each a semitone above or below another. Play half step above the first (Eb) with your middle finger (finger 3). Chromatic scales can be found in more than one mode and are very good to add in to your piano technique repertoire as you will see them a lot in more advanced pieces. The finger pattern for a Major Scale can be written like this: The finger pattern for a Chromatic Scale looks like this: Before we move on to the fingerings for Chromatic Scales, let's review what 1/2 steps and semitones are. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. So, on the piano, a half step from any given note is the very next note, whether it … They are the thumb (1st finger), index finger (2nd finger) and middle finger (third finger). As you play the G#, bring your thumb (finger 1) underneath your middle finger (finger 3). This fingering is difficult to play fast because it is composed of the shortest possible parallel sets and therefore contains a large number (5) of parallel sets. From the first note to the last note, you simply move up the scale in semitones, as every single note is one half-step away from the note before it. We will start and end on C, but there is only one chromatic scale. Scales / Contrary-motion scales / Chromatic scales. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 11,672 times. Chromatic Scale Piano How To Play a Chromatic Scale on the Piano. The chromatic scale uses a unique fingering pattern. The notes C and F will be played with your index finger (finger 2). Here's what this finger pattern looks like. Another great way to practice your chromatic scales with both hands is with rhythms! Rhythms in our practicing are a fabulous way to help reinforce finger patterns in not only scales but also in our pieces and etudes. This would include the first 4 notes of this scale. Play the next two (F, F#) with your index finger (finger 2) and middle finger (finger 3) in that order. Simply put, a Chromatic Scale is one in which every half step in the scale is played; ascending and descending. Sometimes half notes will occur between a white/black key or a white/white key. Scales / Contrary-motion scale. * You will play every single white and black key from the first note to the last note. Learn what numbers correspond with what fingers. All black notes will be played with your middle finger (finger 3). There is a note that can be played in between each of your whole notes. Play the next note (A) with your thumb (finger 1). ~ Scales in this mode start on the note that is the same note as the name of the Key. It differs from many other typical scale patterns in many ways, mainly because it only uses three of the five fingers. Do the same with both hands but give yourself plenty of time to do just one at a time. Arpeggios. For a Minor scale, the formula is tone, semitone, tone, tone, semitone, tone, tone (semitone = half step, tone = whole step). It is defined as the interval between two adjacent notes in a 12-tone scale (e.g. Share it with us! Begin playing the scale. Remember you are going to play 12 notes total in this Chromatic Scale and you will play every white and black key between Middle C and the C and octave higher. Play the next half step above the first (G#) with your middle finger (finger 3). There are many other types of modes that we will end up learning as we advance in our playing. % of people told us that this article helped them. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Add the next note in line, once you feel secure with the first ones and continue to do this as you progress through the scale. Arpeggios / Broken chords. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Start with your thumb on middle C. * Use fingers 1 & 3 whenever you are playing a black and white key together. This article has been viewed 11,672 times. Play the next note (E) with your thumb (finger 1). Let's find out the easiest way to start playing Chromatic Scales on your piano, now. * Then repeat using your 1st & 3rd fingers for the white/black keys. There are no other notes that can be played in between each of these 1/2 steps, in this particular key. A chromatic scale doesn't have a formula because it uses every note. * Repeat using your 2nd finger when you get to the next white/white keys, (B and C natural in this scale.). Grade 2. If you diligently follow the steps and examples laid down in this article, you will have an excellent command of this unique scale … Scales / Contrary-motion scales / Chromatic scales. Remember you are going to play 12 notes total in this Chromatic Scale and you will play every white and black key between Middle C and the C and octave higher.