Minor scales follow a different pattern: W-H-W–W–H-W-W. We just learned that major scales are built from this pattern of whole and half steps: W-W-H–W–W-W-H. What is the difference between major scales and minor scale on piano? All together, a complete major scale is built with this pattern of whole and half steps: W-W-H–W–W-W-H. Now get rid of the final note (B) and add the first four notes of the A major pentascale to the first four notes of the E major pentascale: A-B-C#-D–E-F#-G#-A. To complete the octave scale, simply take the final note of the A major pentascale, which is E, and build another major pentascale on top of it: E-F#-G#-A-B.

These are the first five notes of an A major scale, which follow this pattern of whole and half steps: W-W-H-W. If you’re familiar with the A major pentascale, you know that you need to play A-B-C#-D-E. It’s easy to build major scales, especially if you already know your pentascales. What is the formula for playing a major scale on the piano? These are A, Bb, B, Cb, C, C#, Db, D, Eb, E, F, F#, Gb, G, and Ab major. This makes a total of fifteen major scales.

This means you’ll occasionally learn a major scale whose notes can be spelled two different ways. To find a particular scale, browse the video’s chapters by selecting the bullet-point icon.Īlthough there are twelve chromatic pitches within the octave to build major scales on, some of them are enharmonic. Hoffman demonstrates how to play each 2-octave scale on the piano.

Video: How to Play All Major Scales on the Piano Sign up for a free account now and receive over 300 video lessons (and counting!) accessible on any smart device. Finally, we’ve included a free downloadable Major Scales Piano Guide with fingerings. Then, explore the tips and tricks for mastering major scales on the piano. Hoffman demonstrating each 2-octave scale, posted below. Learning to play major scales on the piano? We’ve put together this ultimate resource to help you succeed in playing all the major scales. Learn all the major scales! Piano scale fingerings for practice

D flat major 7 scale