How to Play a B Major Scale on the Piano

The B major scale is a little more complex than some of the other major scales because it consists of five black keys, F#, C#, G#, D# and A#. Memorizing the whole and half step pattern that makes up major scales is important when learning scales like B major, especially since the fingering for the B major piano scale is unique due to the sharps included in the scale.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Right Hand

1. Place your thumb on B and reach your second finger (index finger) up to C#.

2. Press D# with your third finger (middle finger) and bring your thumb under your third finger to press E.

3. Use your second finger to press F#, third finger on G#, and fourth finger (ring finger) on A#.

4. Hit B with your fifth finger (little finger) and begin the descending B major scale with your fourth finger on A#.

5. Play down the scale with your third finger on G#, your second finger on F# and your thumb on E.

6. Finish the scale by crossing your third finger over to D#, pressing C# with your second finger and B with your thumb.

Left Hand

7. Start with your fourth finger on B.

8. Play C# with your third finger, D# with your second finger and E with your thumb.

9. Cross your fourth finger over to F# and play G# with your third finger and A# with your second finger.

10. Finish the ascending B major scale with your thumb on B.

11. Begin the descending B major scale with your second finger on A#, your third finger on G# and your fourth finger on F#.

12. Bring your thumb under your fourth finger to play E.

13. Run down the rest of the scale with your second finger on D#, your third finger on C# and your fourth finger on B.

Tips & Warnings

• You must position your hands over the piano keys so that your fingers are pressing down in the middle of the white keys. This allows you to easily reach the black keys when playing the sharps in the B major scale.
• The whole and half step pattern for major scales is whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half.