I’ve chosen the C Major scale to demonstrate/practice in thirds, tenths, and sixths.
The best preliminary of course, is to review the scale in its root position and it doesn’t have to be a parallel motion run through. (i.e. fingers going up and down in the same direction) You can start with a contrary motion playing (thumbs meeting at Middle C, and fingers going in opposite directions) Either of these playings defines what note finger number 4 plays in each hand. In C Major, whether in Parallel or contrary motion, 4 is on B in the Right Hand. In the Left Hand 4 is on D. Again, these finger 4 placements are crucial reference points when practicing scales with various intervals between the hands as occurs with 3rds, 10ths, and 6ths.
In the video I elaborate on other reference points and symmetries within these individual scales as they unfold.
The one fingering adjustment to be noted in the sequence of 3rds, 10ths and 6ths, applies only to 6ths. Instead of starting in the Right Hand with 3,4 , 1( A, B, C) I alter to 2, 3, 1 (A, B, C) The rest of the scale adheres to the traditional fingering where 4 arrives in the Right Hand on B. When the scale descends, the last three notes in the Right Hand C B, A will be played with 1, 3, 2. This alteration at the beginning and end of the C Scale played in 6ths should make it easier to navigate, especially in a brisk tempo.
Finally, I explore the turnaround at the top of scales, so it is not so cramped, tight or angular, particularly when a legato touch, (smooth and connected) is desired.
More Piano Technique Videos:
https://arioso7.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/scales-and-arpeggios-with-videotaped-replay/
Blocking four-note chords before unblocking them as arpeggios in a sequence of inversions as prep to play the Moonlight Sonata, last movement, Presto agitato.
https://arioso7.wordpress.com/2010/11/29/from-chords-to-gym-and-back-you-tube-video/
Playing a C Major scale in contrary motion:
https://arioso7.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/playing-scales-in-contrary-motion-video/
Chunking a B Major scale:
https://arioso7.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/sports-and-piano-technique-how-about-chunking-on-you-tube/
https://arioso7.wordpress.com/2010/12/17/piano-gym-routines-with-my-10-year-old-student/
Stay tuned for upcoming Blogs: Is the Piano a Dying Breed? and A Boxing Coach Takes Piano Lessons.
I love your website!! You seem like the dream teacher! Thank you for sharing all of this information. 🙂
Karen, You’ve made my day! Such feedback is greatly appreciated. Shirley K
I’m getting a renewed sense for scales by watching your videos. I’m an adult learner (50 yrs old) with one year of lessons so far and I love scales but I get lost plenty of times when trying to span more than two octaves but your explanation of the relationship between the keys and the fingers really resonates with me. I’m finding the fact that the 2 and 4 fingers of the hands being in relationship gives me an anchor point when my brain just can’t figure out where I am. I started out in the Medieval Middle C as many students do (I’ve read all your blog posts heh, go Adien!) and have four scales to work on, C, G, F and D Majors’. I will try the exercises in 3rd’s, 6th’s and 10th’s as well, I have a scale book but don’t use it enough I suppose. I really just wanted to leave feedback that your time and effort are appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Rick, How nice to receive your feedback and learn about your piano study. You sound very determined and devoted.
Adult students are some of the most committed and motivated individuals, so I really appreciated hearing about your particular experience with scales. I think of the scale routines as the gymnastics side of playing but also brain teasers. Like you point out, certain anchors, and symmetries from octave to octave make it easier to navigate them. Otherwise one is faced with a sea of notes without reference points, except of course, for those lovely black key patterned scales.
Keep me posted on your progress as you go along. I’ll be interested, and alert to your updates.
Best Regards, Shirley K
Hi.
I love the scales in 10ths, at 57 you could say I’m an adult student, although I can play the bass
and guitar to a good standard jazz wise and generally, I’m trying to study harmony seriously…
One Love
Pete
Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your musical journey! sk
my left hand scales are terrible…i need suggestions? help!
Spend extra time focusing on your LH as the leader hand between the two.. Let it be framed with a singing pulse and grab all opportunities to focus on your LH hand… whether in scales, arpeggios or pieces. Separate hand, SLOW deliberate practicing should also be paramount..