Major scales on piano

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.

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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.