How to Play a C Scale on the Piano

One of the first things a piano student must master are scales and the easiest scale to learn is the C scale. It requires a specific fingering sequence, but with a little practice, the student can play several octaves smoothly and quickly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Going Up the Scale With the Right Hand

1. Begin by placing your right thumb on middle C. Your other fingers will already be on the next keys you will play.

2. Play the first 3 notes with your thumb, index finger and middle finger.

3. Move your right thumb under your fingers until it reaches the key to the right of your middle finger. Play the next 4 notes with your thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.

4. Reach under with your thumb again and play the next note. Continue with your index, middle and ring finger.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 and finish by playing the next key with your little finger. You should be on C 2 octaves above middle C.

Going Down the Scale With the Right Hand

6. Begin with your little finger on C 2 octaves higher than middle C. Let your other fingers rest on the white keys to the left.

7. Play each key using the little, ring, middle and index fingers. Play the next key to the left with your thumb.

8. Move your middle finger over the top of the other fingers to reach the key immediately to the left of your thumb. Play that key and continue with your index finger and thumb.

9. Reach over with your ring finger to play the key to the left of your thumb and continue with the middle finger, index finger and thumb.

10. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 and finish by playing the next key with your thumb. You should be on middle C.

Playing Scales With the Left Hand.

11. Begin with your little finger on C 2 octaves below middle C.

12. Go up the scale toward middle C using the finger pattern described in Section 2.

13. Return to your starting point using the finger pattern described in Section 1.

Tips & Warnings

• By playing 2 octaves at once, your fingers will already be in the right position to go back down the scale to middle C.
• The C scale is played on the white keys only.