How to Play an Ab Minor Scale on Piano

Learning to play an Ab minor scale on piano requires close attention to finger accuracy and placement. The Ab minor scale has seven flats in the key signature (Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb) and shares its key signature with Cb major. It is rare to see Ab minor appear as an actual key signature in piano music. The occasional Chopin work will use this key signature, but--because there are so many flats--the key is often avoided by composers. Regardless, it is imperative that one learns this scale before mastering other scales on piano.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice with your right hand to begin. Place your index finger on Ab4. Immediately play Bb5 with your middle finger and then bring your thumb under your middle finger to Cb5. Cross your index finger over your thumb to Db5. Play Eb5 with your middle finger then bring your thumb under your middle finger to Fb5. Ascend the remaining major third interval through Fb, Gb and Ab. Your middle finger should land on Ab5 to finish the scale. You'll notice that only three fingers are used to perform the Ab minor scale as you ascend. This will allow you to focus on speed and agility without fear of your weaker fingers getting in the way.

2. Descend the Ab minor scale a minor third interval through Ab, Gb and Fb. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to Eb5. Continue down the scale through the next major third interval through Eb, Db and Cb. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to Bb5 and finish out the scale by depressing Ab4 with your middle finger. You should be in the position you started in.

3. Focus on your left hand only. Place your middle finger on Ab3. Ascend a minor third interval through Ab, Bb and Cb. Cross your middle finger over your thumb at Db4. Continue up the next minor third interval through Db, Eb and Fb. Cross your middle finger again over your thumb at Gb4 and complete the scale by depressing Ab4 with your index finger.

4. Descend the Ab minor scale with your left hand. After depressing Ab4 with your index finger and Gb4 with your middle finger, cross your thumb under your middle finger to Fb4. Continue down the next minor third interval through Fb, Eb and Db. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to Cb4. Descend the remaining minor third interval through Cb, Bb and Ab. Your middle finger should land on Ab3 to complete the scale.

5. Because the Ab minor scale only requires that you use three fingers from each hand to properly perform it, you can spend the majority of your practice time focusing on increased speed and pitch accuracy. Begin to practice the scale at a tempo of no less than 90 beats per minute. The maximum practice tempo for this scale should be 180 beats per minute.