How to Practice Piano Scales

Practice makes perfect when you play the piano often.

Scales are a sequence of notes that ascend and then descend back to the same note from the beginning. There are many types of scales to learn, such as major scales, minor scales, chromatic scales, harmonic minor scales and others. To learn these scales, you need to practice slowly and use the right technique to play them properly and become the accomplished piano player you hope to be.

Things You'll Need

• Piano
• Sheet music for scales

Instructions

1. Practice slowly. If you want to train your fingers correctly, it's best to go slow.

2. Practice with each hand separately. Start with the weakest hand first, which is your left hand if you are right-handed, and then practice with your right hand. Spend time practicing with each hand separately before you put them together to practice.

3. Play one measure at a time. When you play scales, take time to learn each measure. Do not rush and move on to the next measure before you master the previous one.

4. Examine the parts of the scale that are the most difficult to play. If you have a problem when you play descending notes for a certain scale, practice that part over and over again until you master it.

5. Use a metronome. You may not like its sound, but it will help you stay on a steady beat and keep you on target when you count your measures.

6. Use the weight of your arms when you play the piano. Practice dropping this weight, so to speak, into the keys. When you use the weight of your arms instead of your hands, you can play dynamically and effortlessly without tension.

7. Keep your hands level, and keep your fingers naturally curved. Don't sit too close to the piano. Position yourself with a comfortable amount of space between yourself and the instrument.