How to play a B major scale on the piano

Okay, so you want to play a B major scale on the piano. Many piano students have trouble with this scale, because it involves a lot of sharps (the black keys), which can seem confusing.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Piano
• Access to the internet

1. Lets start with finding the "B" key on the piano.
   
   There are several different pitches, called 'octaves', that you can play this scale on, but I am going to assume that since you are reading this tutorial, you are a beginning piano player. Because of this, we are going to start you on 'middle B', which is one half step below middle C. (Or the next white key down).

2. All right. Now, with your right hand, place your thumb on middle B. Your second, "pointer" finger is going to rest on the next black key to the right, which is C#. Your middle finger is on the black key next to it, or D#. With me so far?
   
   Play the first three notes of the scale (B, C#, D#) one at a time with your thumb, pointer and middle fingers respectively.
   
   (You're almost halfway there)

3. If you are not used to playing scales, this next bit can be a little tricky. You are going to move your thumb away from the B key, while your middle finger is still on the black D# key. You are then going to tuck your thumb under your hand, just past your middle finger, to land on the "E" key (the white key just to the right of D#).
   
   As soon as your thumb is firmly in its new spot (go ahead and press down on the E key if you haven't already), the rest of your fingers move to. You are going to put your pointer, middle, and ring finger on the next 3 black keys (F#, G# and A#), and your pink on B. (This B is one octave - 8 keys - above middle B.)

4. Play the rest of the keys one by one, moving up from your thumb to your pinky. You have played the B major scale! Congratulations!

5. To move back down the scale, just reverse the order. In other words, with your fingers still in there place (your pinky on the high B), play each note from your pinky back down to your thumb. When you reach your thumb, you will need to move your middle finger from the A# key over to the D# key, in much the same way that you moved your thumb in order to climb the scale. You will find that you need to move your middle finger up and over your thumb, creating a similar movement.

6. The Left Hand
   
   Playing the same scale with the left hand, you play the same exact notes - B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B. The difference is the fingering. Again, it is a similar technique, and may take a little bit of getting used to for those of you new to piano.
   
   This time, start with the pinky of your left hand on middle B (not your thumb). Your ring finger will play the black C# key above it, and your middle finger will play the black D# key above that. Your pointer finger will play the white E key, and your thumb will play the black F# key.
   
   How's it going? So far, this is almost easier than the right hand, isn't it?

7. Now, for that tricky fingering. Bring your third finger up and over your thumb, creating that familiar tucking movement. Your middle finger should land on the black G# key. Now adjust the rest of your fingers - the pointer finger on A@, and the thumb on high B.

8. Going back down, you again reverse the fingering. Play the first three notes from the top down (B, A#, G#) and then tuck your thumb under to the black F# key. It is not easy to do, but it will become easier with practice.

9. Once your thumb is in place, play the rest of the notes down the scale (E, D#, C#, B). Congratulations! You have learned a new skill in the world of piano playing.