Whole steps and the major scale
Lesson 9 of 14 · Intermediate · The major scale pattern, in C, G and F major.
Whole steps
A whole step is two half steps: from one key, skip the very next one.
C to D is a whole step (it skips C♯). E to F♯ is a whole step too: it skips F.
The major scale pattern
A major scale is eight notes from one letter up to the same letter, following one pattern of steps: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.
Starting on C it uses only white keys: C D E F G A B C. The half steps fall where there's no black key: E–F and B–C.
Fingering C major
Right hand going up: 1 2 3 on C D E, then tuck your thumb under to play F, and 1 2 3 4 5 to the top C.
Coming down: 5 4 3 2 1 to F, then cross finger 3 over your thumb onto E, and 3 2 1 home.
G and F major
Start the pattern on G and the 7th note has to be a black key, F♯: G A B C D E F♯ G.
Start on F and the 4th note has to be B♭: F G A B♭ C D E F. Every major scale has its own sharps or flats.
Practice
The pattern first.
C major, right hand, up and down. Thumb under after E, finger 3 over coming down.
G major, right hand: same fingering, with F♯.
F major, right hand, with B♭.
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