How to Play an A Minor Scale on Piano

Learning to play an A minor scale on the piano is an easy task compared to many other scales. The key signature has no flats and no sharps, making this scale filled with only white keys. Because there are no black keys, you do not have to raise your wrists and adjust your forearms in such a way that could potentially slow down your speed and reduce your flexibility. The A minor scale should be approached with nimble fingers and attention to quick finger crossings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Practice the scale with your right hand. Place your thumb on A4. Ascend a minor third up the scale through the notes A, B and C. Cross your thumb under your middle finger at D5. Ascend the remaining perfect fifth interval through D, E, F, G and A. Your pinkie should be the last finger that touches at A5.

2. Descend the A minor scale beginning at A5. Come down a perfect fifth interval without crossing any fingers though A, G, F, E and D. Cross your middle finger over your thumb at C5. Descend the remaining minor third of the scale to A4. Your thumb should be the last finger that touches.

3. Focus on your left hand only. Place your pinkie finger on A3. Ascend a perfect fifth interval through the notes A, B, C, D and E. Cross your middle finger over your thumb at F4. Continue up the remaining major third interval through F, G and A. Your thumb should land on A4, exactly one octave higher than the original A3.

4. Descend the A minor scale with your left hand beginning on A4. Come down a major third interval through A, G and F. Stop with your middle finger on F4. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to E4. Continue down the scale and finish the remaining perfect fifth interval through the notes E, D, C, B and A. Your pinkie should land on A3 and in the scale's starting position.

5. Practice the scale with both hands simultaneously. Each hand has a separate pattern as it ascends and descends the scale. The lack of black notes in the A minor scale gives you the opportunity to practice speed and agility. Refrain from raising your wrists to unnecessary heights as you glide over the keys. Move your forearms smoothly from left to right as you go up and down the scale in an attempt to keep your wrists and arms as perpendicular to the keyboard as possible. Play this scale at a starting tempo of 90 beats per minute. Slowly increase the metronome to a maximum of 180 beats per minute.