Major scales on piano

PDF · the-major-scale

Every major scale is made from the same pattern of steps:

whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half

In half steps, the same pattern reads:

2-2-1-2-2-2-1

Either spelling counts upward from a starting note to the same note an octave higher. The C major scale shows it best, because every note in it is white. Start from another note and use the same pattern again.

Video Video Watch on YouTube

What follows are all major scales on piano. Each one has a playable score and a linked PDF.

The most common key signatures on piano are:

However, it is easier to learn the full set by fingering groups. These 5 major scales use the same pattern, which makes them one practice group:

These two share the same right-hand fingering:

These two use the left-hand pattern from the earlier group:

These two repeat the newer right-hand pattern:

The final 4 major scales have their own fingering variations:

Readers Also Look For

  • The C Major Scale: The C major scale on piano in open position: the notes, right- and left-hand fingering, the thumb crossing, and how to practice it so it sounds like music.

  • B Major Scale (Piano): The B major scale is B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯ B, with five sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯). Notes, piano fingering for both hands, key signature and chords. Play it here.

  • C Major Scale (Piano): The C major scale is C D E F G A B C, with no sharps and no flats. Notes, piano fingering for both hands, key signature and chords. Play it here.

Related Topics...

  • Music Theory: Music theory piano players use: scales, key signatures, the chords inside a key and how to read them, all playable as interactive sheet music in your browser.

  • The Minor Scale: Learn the minor scales... including interactive sheet music, videos, music theory, and recordings.

More in This Section

  • The Major Triad Chords: A major triad is a root plus the notes four and seven semitones above it. The seven triad chords of a major key, spelled out and playable with Chordzy.