How to Play a G Minor Scale on Piano

Learning to play a G minor scale requires only one finger crossing when ascending and one when descending. This makes the scale one of the easier ones to master and play with great flexibility. The key signature has two flats (Bb, Eb) and shares a key signature with Bb major. As the scale only has two black keys, it's important to focus on proper wrist placement so your fingers can smoothly glide from the black keys to the white ones.

Instructions

1. Begin practicing with your right hand. Place your thumb G4. Ascend a minor-third interval through the notes G, A and Bb. Stop once you arrive with your middle finger at Bb5. Cross your thumb under your middle finger at C5. Lift your wrist and forearm during this crossing to ensure that no fingers collide with one another. Ascend from C5 a perfect-fifth interval through the notes C, D, Eb, F and G. Stop at G5. Your pinkie should be the last finger to touch a note in this scale going upward.

2. Descend the G minor scale beginning with G5. Come down a perfect-fifth interval and stop when your thumb hits C4. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to Bb4. Descend the remaining minor-third interval to G4. Your thumb should land on G4 at the bottom octave of the scale.

3. Practice the scale with your left hand. Place your pinkie finger on G3 to begin. Ascend a perfect-fifth interval to D4. The weakest finger in this pattern will be your ring finger. Compensate by lifting your left wrist slightly so vertical motion from your fingers is easier to accomplish. Cross your middle finger over your thumb at Eb4. Ascend the remaining major-third interval to G4. Your thumb should be in position on the last note.

4. Descend the G minor scale with your left hand beginning on G4. Come down a major-third interval through notes G, F and Eb. Cross your thumb under your middle finger at D4. Your hand will now be in a position to finish out the scale without any additional finger crossings. This position is rare when playing piano scales, so take advantage of it by paying attention to improving speed and flexibility. Descend the remaining perfect-fifth interval through the notes D, C, Bb, A and G. Your thumb should be in position at G3.

5. Practice the scale with both hands at the same time. The relative ease of this scale allows you to begin practicing at a tempo of 78 to 80 beats per minute. Increase the tempo only after you have played the scale at the preceding tempo no less than five times with perfection.