How to Play an F Major Scale on the Piano

The F major scale consists of all white keys except B flat. The piano fingering for F major differs slightly from the traditional fingering of the C major scale due to the single flat on the fourth note of the scale. In order to play the F major scale smoothly, you will not use your fifth finger (little finger) in the right hand fingering.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Right Hand

1. Start by pressing down on an F key on the keyboard with your thumb.

2. Press your second finger (index finger) on G and your third finger (middle finger) on A.

3. Reach up with your fourth finger (ring finger) and press B flat.

4. Bring your thumb under your fourth finger and press C.

5. Complete the ascent of the scale by pressing D with your second finger, E with your third finger and F with your fourth finger.

6. Descend the F major scale with your third finger on E, second finger on D and thumb on C.

7. Cross your fourth finger over to play B flat and finish the scale with your third finger on A, second finger on G and thumb on F.

Left Hand

8. Press down with your fifth finger (little finger) on an F key and continue by pressing G with your fourth finger and A with your third finger.

9. Reach up with your second finger to play B flat.

10. Play C with your thumb and bring your third finger over to play D.

11. Finish the ascent of the scale with your second finger on E and your third finger on F.

12. Descend the scale with your second finger on E and your third finger on D.

13. Bring your thumb under to play C and finish the scale with your second finger on B flat, third finger on A, fourth finger on G and fifth finger on F.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, all major scales are comprised of the same whole and half step pattern. That pattern is whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half. If you ever forget the key signature for F major, you can always figure it out by counting the whole and half steps.