How to Play an E Major Scale on the Piano

Four sharps are included in the E major scale: F# (sharp), C#, G# and D#. The E major scale follows the whole and half step major scale pattern, and the fingering is the same as the C major scale. However, the four sharps make the E major scale a bit more difficult to master.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Keyboard

Right Hand

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

2. Place your right thumb on an E key on your keyboard. E keys are located directly to the right of the two black keys.

3. Reach up to F# with your second finger (index finger) and G# with your third finger (middle finger).

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

5. Press the next two black keys, C# with your third finger and D# with your fourth finger (ring finger), and finish your ascent by pressing E with your fifth finger (little finger).

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

7. Cross your third finger over your thumb and press G# with your third finger, F# with your second finger and finish by pressing E with your thumb.

Left Hand

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

9. Place your fifth finger (little finger) on an E key on your keyboard.

10. Reach up with your fourth finger (ring finger) and press F#, then G# with your third finger (middle finger).

11. Press A with your second finger (index finger) and B with your thumb.

12. Cross your third finger over and press the next two black keys, C# with your third finger and D# with your second finger, then finish by pressing E with your thumb.

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

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

Tips & Warnings

• By numbering the fingers on each hand 1 to 5, starting with your thumb, you can memorize the fingering for the E major scale. 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.
• Major scales are created by following a whole and half step pattern. The pattern for the E major scale is consistent with this pattern of whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half.