Scales and Arpeggios - Introduction and Exercises

Introduction to New Notes

Now we introduce three new notes: F, B flat, two Fs and one B flat.

Fingering for F

• F is fingered like G plus the first finger of the right hand.
• The next F, the high F, uses the same fingering, but add the octave key at the back, forming an octave.
  • Note: That's why it's called the octave key, when you depress it, the note goes up an octave (8 steps).

Fingering for B flat

• B flat is on the middle line, like good old B, which is the first note we learn.
• It has a flat in front of it, meaning it's lower than B.

Side B flat Fingering

• There are several fingerings for this note, but for the purposes of this course, we will deal with the side B flat.
• Use A plus the key at the side, known as the BIS key.
  • This is the little button pressed with the index finger of the left hand, similar to playing a B.
  • Just place your finger about half a centimeter below where it would normally be, keeping it on the B key.
  • This turns your B into a B flat.

Summary of New Notes:

• Low F
• Upper F
• B flat

Leap of an Octave

• The leap from F to B flat is achieved by fingering as previously described:
  • Side B flat: Finger the A and add the key using your right-hand index finger.
  • The BIS key should be pressed at the same time as the B key.

Exercise One: Scales

Exercise one introduces scales.

F Major Scale

• F major scale uses a single flat, the B flat.
• If there's one flat in the key signature, it will always be a B flat.
• If there's one sharp, it will always be F sharp, which we've already introduced.

We have broken the scale into bite-sized chunks:

1. First section: The first four notes.

   • You'll notice I was using the side B flat here. Some players use that; others prefer the BIS key. Both work.

2. Second section: Starts on A and goes up to D.

3. Final section: Starts from C and takes us to the top F.

Goal: Develop even finger technique to ensure when you play the scale, it comes out very evenly.

• Tongue Scale: For F major, we can also play it slurred to achieve a smooth feel.

Arpeggios

In addition to scales, the other major building blocks in music are arpeggios.

Definition of Arpeggios

• An arpeggio comprises the first, third, and fifth degree of the scale.
• For F: F, A, C, top F.

Characteristics

• Arpeggios have fewer notes than scales but are harder to play due to the required leaps.
• Movement: More than two fingers are often involved at a time.

Exercise Three: Preparation for Arpeggios

1. First section: Involves F to A, try not to catch the G key.

2. Next section: C to A to C, easier since it only involves one finger.

3. Final section: C up to F, the hardest part.

Practice: If you practice these sections, the arpeggio will come out beautifully smooth or tongued.

Conclusion

This is the F major scale and arpeggio.

When you start playing music for exams, Grade One typically involves three scales:

• Usually F major, G major, and A minor.

In this book, we decided to introduce F major first, just my personal preference.