How to Play a D Major Scale on the Piano

The D major scale contains two sharps. The major scale pattern of whole and half steps (whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half) is achieved in the D major scale by using two black keys, F# (sharp) and C#. In order to easily play the D major scale, the proper placement of your fingers is key.

Things You'll Need

• Keyboard

Instructions

Right Hand

1. Number the fingers on your right hand 1 through 5 starting with your thumb.

2. Start by pressing a D key on your keyboard with your right thumb.

3. Press E with your second finger (index finger) and F# with your third finger (middle finger). F# is the first of the three black keys grouped together.

4. Bring your thumb under your third finger and press G with your thumb, A with your second finger, and B with your third finger.

5. Reach your fourth finger (ring finger) over and press C#, then press D with your fifth finger (little finger). C# is the first of the two black keys grouped together.

6. Begin the descent of your scale by pressing C# with your fourth finger, B with your third finger, A with your second finger and G with your thumb.

7. Cross your third finger over your thumb and press F# with your third finger, E with your second finger and D with your thumb.

Left Hand

1. Number the fingers on your left hand 1 through 5 starting with your thumb.

2. Start by pressing your fifth finger (little finger) on a D key on your keyboard.

3. Press E with your fourth finger (ring finger), F# with your third finger (middle finger), G with your second finger (index finger) and A with your thumb.

4. Cross your third finger over and press B with your third finger.

5. Reach your second finger over and press C# then press D with your thumb.

6. Begin the descent of your scale by pressing C# with your second finger and B with your third finger.

7. Bring your thumb under your third finger and play A with your thumb, G with your second finger, F# with your third finger, E with your fourth finger and D with your fifth finger.

Tips & Warnings

• The correct fingering for most major scales, including D major can easily be learned by numbering your fingers 1 to 5 on each hand, starting with your thumbs, and following these patterns. Right hand: 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1. Left hand: 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5.

• If you forget what sharps are played in the D major scale, just follow the whole and half step pattern of whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half.

• A half step is made when you play two keys directly next to each other. A whole step is made up of two half steps.