How to Play a G Major Scale on the Piano

G major is a fairly easy piano scale to perfect. It only has one sharp, F#, and is fingered the same as the C major piano scale. Although it is a relatively easy scale due to its simple key signature, the proper fingering is necessary to smoothly play the G major piano scale.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Right Hand

1. Press a G key on the keyboard with your thumb to start the G major scale.

2. Continue up the scale by pressing A with your second finger (index finger) and B with your third finger (middle finger).

3. Bring your thumb under your second and third fingers and press C with your thumb, D with your second finger and E with your third finger.

4. Lift your fourth finger (ring finger) up to press F# and finish the ascent of the scale with your fifth finger (little finger) on G.

5. Come back to F# with your fourth finger and continue down the scale with your third finger on E, second finger on D and thumb on C.

6. Cross your third finger over to press B.

7. Finish the scale with your second finger on A and your thumb on G.

Left Hand

8. Start the G major scale by pressing G with your fifth finger, A with your fourth finger, B with your third finger, C with your second finger and D with your thumb.

9. Cross your third finger over and press E.

10. Reach over F# with your second finger and finish the scale's ascent with your thumb on G.

11. Continue down the scale with your second finger on F# and your third finger on E.

12. Bring your thumb under to play D.

13. Run down the rest of the scale with your second finger on C, third finger on B, fourth finger on A and fifth finger on G.

Tips & Warnings

• The whole and half step pattern, whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half, remains the same for all major scales. Memorizing this pattern can help you figure out what key you are in and also help you determine if you are properly playing a major scale.