Introduction to Diatonic Scales

Previously, we learned about pentatonic scales. Now we're going to try some diatonic scales.

Difference Between Scales

• Pentatonic scales have five notes.
• Diatonic scales have seven notes.

C Major Scale

The first scale that we'll look at is the C major scale. I'll show you really slowly, and then I'll explain what I'm doing with my fingers.

Right Hand

The right hand of the C major scale looks like this:

1. Start with your one finger on middle C.
2. We want it to sound really smooth and even, as if you've got eight fingers to make your way up the octave and back down.

Sequence:

• C, D, E.
• Thumb goes to F.
• Two goes to G.
• A, B, C.

Descending:

• Straight back down: B, A, G, F.
• 3 goes to E.
• 2 goes to D.
• Ending on C.

Let me show you that one more time.

Left Hand

The left hand of the C major scale uses the fingers in the opposite direction.

1. First, we use all five fingers going up, and then on the way down, we switch.
2. After the three finger, it looks like this.

Sequence:

• C, D, E, F, G.
• 3 goes to A.
• 2 goes to B.
• Ending on C.

Descending:

• Straight back down: B, A.
• Thumb goes to G.
• 2 goes to F.
• E, D.
• Ending on C.

Practicing Hands Separately

You'll probably need to practice both hands separately for several weeks until you're ready to try hands together.

Hands Together

It gets a bit tricky at this point because the fingers are switching at different moments of the scale.

It looks like this:

• Break it down slowly with both hands:
  • C, D, E
  • Right thumb to F.
  • G, left 3 to A, B, C.
  • B, A, left thumb to G.
  • F, right 3 to E, D, C.

Final Tips

As always, make sure to go very slowly and take it at your own pace.