How to Play an F Mixolydian Scale on Piano

Learning to play an F Mixolydian scale on piano is a bit easier if you have experience playing a Bb major scale. F Mixolydian is the fifth mode of Bb major and has two flats (Bb, Eb). It shares a key signature with Bb major and has two black keys and five white keys. The large presence of white keys allows your wrist to retain its natural position as you ascend and descend the scale. A fair amount of attention should be given to mastering quick finger crossings.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice with your right hand only. Place your thumb on F4 to begin. Ascend a perfect-fourth interval through the notes F, G, A and Bb. Bring your thumb under your thumb to C5. This finger crossing is a wide perfect-fifth interval, so keep your wrist elevated and point your elbow slightly to the right to increase note accuracy. Ascend the remaining perfect-fourth interval through C, D, Eb and F natural. Your ring finger should be the last to depress F5, one octave higher than the first pitch.

2. Descend the F Mixolydian scale with your right hand. Beginning with your ring finger on F5, descend a perfect-fourth interval through F, Eb, D and C natural. Cross your ring finger over your thumb to Bb5. You can make this wide perfect-fifth crossing easier by beginning to cross over as soon as your ring finger is finished depressing F5. Descend the last perfect-fourth interval through Bb, A, G and F natural. Your thumb should now be on F4, the same pitch you started on.

3. Now practice with your left hand only. Place your pinkie on F3. Ascend a perfect-fifth interval through F, G, A, Bb and C natural. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to D4. Ascend the remaining minor-third interval through D, Eb and F natural. Your thumb should land on F4, one octave higher than the starting pitch.

4. Descend the F Mixolydian scale with your left hand. Beginning with your thumb on F4, descend a minor-third interval through F, Eb and D natural. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to C4. Descend the final perfect-fifth interval through the notes C, Bb, A, G and F natural. Your pinkie should now be in the same position in which you began (F3).

5. Practice the F Mixolydian scale with both hands at the same time. Set your metronome to a starting practice tempo of no more than 75 beats per minute. As the finger crossings become more comfortable, slowly increase the tempo to no more than 170 beats per minute.