How to Play a E Minor Scale on Piano

Learning to play an E minor scale on piano requires attention to quick finger crossings and smooth forearm movement. The E minor scale only has one sharp (F#) and shares a key signature with G major (the relative major). The left-hand placement is a bit trickier than that of the right hand. Special focus should be given to the left hand, especially as you descend the scale. The large number of white keys makes this scale a fairly easy one to learn.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice with your right hand only. Place your thumb on E4. Ascend a minor third interval to G4 and stop. Cross your thumb under your middle finger on A5. Shift your forearm slightly to the left to make this finger crossing go smoothly. Continue to ascend the remaining perfect fifth interval on the notes A, B, C, D and E. Your pinkie should land on the last note of the scale going upwards, E5.

2. Descend the E minor piano scale. Come down a perfect fifth interval, repeating in reverse the same five notes you played at the end of ascending the scale. Stop at A5. Bring your middle finger over your thumb at G4. Continue to descend the remaining minor third interval on the notes G, F# and E. Your thumb should fall on E4 and be in its original starting position.

3. Perform the scale with your left hand. Rest your pinkie finger on E3. Ascend a perfect fifth interval on notes E, F#, G, A and B. Stop on B4 with your pinkie finger. Notice the awkward placement of your ring finger on F#3 when you ascend. Do not place your hand too far up the keyboard or you will risk hitting the notes next to F#. Bring your hand back just slightly from the keyboard to free space for your fingers at this awkward spot. Cross your middle finger over your thumb at C4. Ascend the remaining major third interval and land your thumb on E4, the last note of the scale.

4. Descend the E minor scale beginning on E4. Come down a major third interval playing notes E, D and C. Stop at C4. Cross your thumb under your middle finger on B4. Descend the remaining perfect fifth playing notes E, A, G, F# and E. Your thumb should land on E3 to finish out the scale.

5. Perform the E minor scale on piano with both hands at the same time. Pay closer attention to your left hand than your right, especially if it is your weak hand. The finger placement both ascending and descending with the left hand requires more precision, and as such should be taken very slowly until the left hand is equally nimble as the right. Practice this scale with a starting tempo of 60 beats per minute and only begin to increase it once the left hand has mastered the awkward F# positioning. Play this scale at a maximum of 140 beats per minute.