How to Practice Scales & Arpeggios on The Piano
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- Опубліковано 28 сер 2012
- livingpianos.com/piano-practic...
/ livingpianos
Why are scales and arpeggios so important? Since the vast majority of Western music is based upon major/minor tonality, having a mastery of scales and arpeggios is like knowing your addition, subtraction, multiplication and division tables in order to do math. Also, it provides an opportunity to focus purely on finger technique. It is an extraction of just that element of playing without the complexity of harmony, rhythm, phrasing and expression. Scales and arpeggios also provide an excellent warm-up for your practice.
What are scales and arpeggios? Scales are a series of 8 whole steps and half steps (and augmented seconds found in harmonic minor scales) in which the first and last notes are the same. Arpeggios are broken chords. Generally scales and arpeggios are practiced throughout a wide range of an instrument repeating the pattern from octave to octave both ascending and descending.
So, what is a good way to practice scales and arpeggios on the piano? First, you must learn the fingering for all the major and minor scales and arpeggios. Fortunately, Hanon 60 Exercises for the Virtuoso Pianist contains the standard fingering for all scales and arpeggios in 4 octaves (which is how you should play them). Unlike some instruments like violin and other string instruments, the fingering for scales and arpeggios is standard for the piano with almost no exceptions. (Mirror fingering is one such exception in which the thumb plays the same notes in each hand in all scales and arpeggios, but this utilized by a tiny fraction of pianists.)
If you have never studied any scales or arpeggios, it is best to master one scale, say C major or G major before going on to other scales. Fortunately the fingering pattern is the same for C, G, D, A and E major scales. So once you learn C major, you will get a lot of mileage out of your work! Essentially there are 2 fingerings to learn for each hand in both ascending and descending. While the hands each play the same fingering on the same notes going up and down the scale, you will need to focus on the fingers that cross. Going up in the right hand you have thumb crossings, coming down you have 3rd and 4th finger crossings. Because your hands are backwards from one another, the left hand has 3rd and 4th finger crossings going up and thumb crossings going down. Arpeggios only have one thumb crossing and one 3rd or 4th finger crossing in each hand. You may need to practice hands separately in order to get comfortable with the fingering.
It is important to practice scales and arpeggios slowly. There are several reasons for this:
● It gives you an opportunity to study your hand positions and the shape of your fingers.
● You can be precise in timing and intensity and make sure the hands are playing precisely together.
● It develops strength by stretching as in dance or yoga exercises.
● It develops strength in the upward motion of the fingers essential for consistency of length of notes.
You should practice scales and arpeggios with the metronome at all times. Begin by playing 1 note to the beat at 60 beats per minute. In the right hand going up (and the left hand going down) be sure to prepare the thumb by keeping it tucked under your hand so it is ready to play well in advance. Play with raised, rounded fingers and use ample finger power, not arm strength since there will not be sufficient time to utilize the arms once you increase the speed. After you have played the scale comfortably 4 times in a row at 1 note to the beat, increase the speed to 2 notes to the beat. Continue the same way. When you are comfortable and have played the scale at least 4 times in a row at 2 notes to the beat, you may try 4 notes to the beat. Be sure to lighten up and stay close to the keys since there isn't time to raise the fingers at this speed. If you have any difficulty in achieving 4 notes to the beat, lower the metronome to a speed you are comfortable playing the scale many times until fluid. Then increase the metronome 1 notch at a time until you achieve 60 at 4 notes to the beat comfortably many times in a row.
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Let me make something clear. He isn't teaching scales, he is teaching you the correct way to practice scales.
This is the kind of teacher that in small school when you are young you can not pay attention to.
But then as an Adult you wait on his every word because you know this mans time is precious and you know you are lucky to listen to him about the piano.
thank you for the great piano video sir.
Lol, exactly. I'm thankful for these videos as someone who is getting back into playing it as an adult
Yes! I had some teachers who were out to teach me a lot, and I just took it for granted and was lazy, and I so wish I could go back and redo those lessons from years ago. So thankful for youtube for this reason!
Mary Beasley cute pup! :-)
I guess im still young.
@Mary Beasley Ohh yes I feel the very same way. I had guitar lessons for about 7 years, but never really practiced alot. Now I'm getting into piano and teaching myself.
Such an incredible teacher. I like how you can lecture almost 10 minutes perfectly without almost no cuts.
I'm 56 and started taking piano lessons Oct 2016. It was meant to be 4 half hour lessons a month, but in the end it averaged out to about 2 due to various reasons. Anyway, I did really well, picked up sight-reading fast, was able to keep my eyes on the score while I played, and I was so excited about it! Practicing was fun cause I could see my progress. But then I hit a wall and began to put off practicing until I would go a week without it, and now it's been a couple of weeks. I had to give up my lessons due to $$ finally, and I don't feel like I'm getting anywhere when I do practice. So, I decided to come here and find videos about HOW to practice - cause that's my biggest problem now. I'm just not seeing any progression or any clear goal. These videos have helped me already - and this is just the 2nd I've watched. I appreciate that he is saying as much as he is because I now understand the "whys" of practice, and what you should aim for. Sometimes I feel like I waited too long to learn, but life came at me fast, lol. But I had ample opportunity as a teen. My father played the guitar, and my family is very musical. But anyway, thanks for these videos cause it's clearing away the fog for me, lol!
It's great that Mark Hammil is teaching piano now.
To all the people saying "too much talking", its SIMPLE, when you have your own youtube channel for tutorials you can decide yourself how much talking and how much showing you do. Until then keep it moving, noones beggin you to stay here. People kill me, you get a teacher that is all play no talk and you get the same frustrated comments "i really wish you could slow it down" "i didnt see the fingers" "have you got tabs?" "You didnt explain things clearly". So much choice of lessons here and they are all trying to HELP YOU FOR FREE! You dont like this? so find another lesson.
Totally agree with everything you said. Except he must get some money for ads on UA-cam, so it's not like he isn't getting any money for this. For the people, they are paying him by watching those ads so, it's not totally free (in a scope wider than just money) for them too.
+demejiuk I am a consumer on UA-cam. If I don't like something, I get to express myself and dislike it. This is none of your safe space bullcrap.
+Gaddy I'm all for honest criticism but you seem to hold a grudge against this guy.
***** NP.
That's because they did not live in the age before youtube, when none of this was available. Some teachers are a treasure.
this man's a living legend for many students who can't afford advanced piano lessons 😭❤️
thats crazy, 144bpm 4 notes is amazing. thanks for the videos, really appreciate it
When i was a little girl everyone was amazed how musically talented I was as anytime i found a piano, i would sit quietly making up beautiful "music"...i begged, begged AND BEGGED for a piano and lessons...i was given a Cord Organ, spent untold hours playing it until was taken away, sold for my dads gambling debts...i spent the rest of my life wanting piano lessons.
When i got married, 45 yrs ago, my husband got me a Baldwin Organ...but i never practiced, although i love organ...just too busy with life. Then 2 yrs ago, was given a Cottage Reed organ...and a Kimball grand piano...but i didn't begin studying/practicing piano until after my 66th BD...Mid Jan...my teacher is AMAZING...she's convinced i have talent...and I've mastered a few easy pieces...AND will be playing special music in our church mid March...husband purchased a Boston Grand piano for me and it arrives tomorrow...I spend a minimum of 4-5 hours per day, practicing piano...I'm thrilled, but regret my not taking music seriously for so many years...i could be playing much better by now, but...i've got the rest of my life...and with Gods help, i'll be playing well enough to sound "ok"...especially using my new piano!
ua-cam.com/video/K5Kf7Vkg1dQ/v-deo.html We had the player system upgraded...well worth it!
Very informative tutorial! Although I took piano lessons for nine years, starting in the fourth grade, I never understood the importance of learning/playing scales and some of the details you explained. Thank you very much for sharing your expertise.
Good stuff, thanks for explaining the "why"' in detail. I hate scales so it helps.
I've noticed a definite Improvement in my playing since I started incorporating scales into my daily practice.
I have just started studing to learn playing the piano, after watching videos about learning to play the piano for many years, because of this locking down period, and suddenly I discovered something that no video said: to learn to play the piano you need to learn to play it without watching the keys, simply because the piano is played by two hands and if you watch to one hand you cannot watch to the other one!
You have to wonder whether Einstein practiced his multiplication tables. Certainly he understood them. The same is undoubtedly true of Bach and Beethoven in regards to scales.
If you already have them mastered, why practice them? In this manner you’re wasting time.
@@chriskelley5431 Because you can lose such skill when you don't practice, just like how you forgot you wrote that comment.
Thanks for this video. One of the problems with some of us (me included) is that we lack patience and want fast results Haha! But I agree that one of the keys to good piano playing is to start slowly and to acknowledge the fact that it takes time.
+Ronald's Piano Videos count me in
Ronald's Piano Videos
I totally agree. In fact it's my personal definition of the word 'Patience'.
Having patience isn't so much about waiting for something to happen. It's about accepting that some things just take time.
Do mi so do do so mi do
Every truly cultured music student knows
Me: Like this?
*rapidly bangs on piano*
This video es posted 7 years ago bit im looking at ir know and its great, thanks!
Luke Skywalker is now teaching piano!!!
yep!
@The Found Footage Channel Actually, that's Luke Skywalker's long-lost twin brother, Duke Skywalker.
Who is Luke Skywalker.
@@harrynking777 The answer will be revealed after you watch Star Wars Episode 4 - 'A new hope'.
🤣🤣🤣
This guy reminds me of Luke Skywalker.
@Charlie Draper Actually, he's Luke's long-lost twin brother, 'Duke Skywalker.' Luke wanted to save the empire, but Duke had a more modest dream of just creating beautiful music.
Enjoyed this immensely as with all your excellent lessons, Robert! I'm a retired lecturer who's attempting to learn piano but my biggest failing is that I always want to get every piece up to speed as quickly as possible! Maybe a few months working on scales with a metronome will 'curb my rabid enthusiasm'! Thanks for all your wonderful free lessons and tips - invaluable!
His voice keeps you calm and makes you want to play.
So grateful for this channel. Good information is one thing, good delivery is another. Mr. Estrin brings both every time. As a middle aged intermediate piano student, I have found Mr. Estrin’s videos indispensably helpful. As a fellow arts educator (different discipline), I have found his example inspiring.
your videos are so helpful and inspirational, and i enjoy your enthusiasm as well. thanks so much for sharing!
As a retired adult, this video really is helpful. I worked with my hands as a therapist, and I was a juggler, so finger strength isn't a problem. Learning the language of music is important,
You always seem to hit on the right topic that beginners need to hear. Not only in this video but in your other videos. They helped me a lot in my piano learning. A big thank you.
I enjoy your lectures. You answer questions that come up in learning piano. A lot of videos can't answer those questions. Thanks for the lectures! I've purchased the book you suggested in this video.
You are an amazing teacher. Your videos are incredible. Thank you so much for your work, for making your expertise and enthusiasm available. I am grateful :)
this guy is way better than those other piano bozos
Wow! I'm sooo impressed, you're such a great teacher, your enthusiasm is contagious. How I'd love to have you as my teacher! Thank you!
You’re welcome to a free Zoom interview to discuss piano lessons for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
Great explanation. Love the enthusiasm.
I was an organist and am having quite the problem learning to play piano style since my sister threw away my Hammond. I'm going to be 65 this year too which isn't any help, but I'm enjoying your positive thoughts and others' as well and positive thoughts from friends. I hope I can play a little soon. I've not played steadily for many years - going from practicing like 2 or 3 hours a day to zilch really killed me. Hope to follow you and gain some ability back. Thanx for sharing your knowledge.
Excellent lesson taught with enthusiasm .Thanks !
definitely the best vid on scales yet for me
So much enthusiasm! this is great I love scales and modes i can't get enough of them!!!! i shall buy this book cheers!
Love your vids, greetings from Brazil
Thanks! This is very helpful to me. I really do appreciate it.
Another informative tute. Thank you Robert.👏
Great shirt, bro
Robert, You have excellent and clear instruction of the piano. I appreciate your videos. Jorge
Very informative, thanks for taking the time to make the video! :)
a Great piano teacher❤
Such a good lesson. None of my teachers ever explained all of this.
Informative and thorough explanation. Thanks!
Awesome! These living piano are great videos. So much of what I do is already here, but a thorough fill-in-the-blank series of what is missing. Keep up the good work!
Wonderful instructions. Just what I need!
i LIKE THE WAY YOU TEACH...VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND!
Thank you for sharing this with us! Once again, I'm reminded of the wisdom of slowing down!
I had to do scales in 3rds, 6ths, and 10s while at uni. I also had rhythm patterns too. Fun times!!
I could bearly play the the 8s!!
great advice :) all your videos are very inspiring
Incredible video, I'm going to put your method into practice immediately! Some very eye opening techniques for me (a beginner), especially the part about 1 scale a week.
Scales and arpeggios are soooo important, yet I had never heard of the Hanon book ... until now! Bought in hard copy and Kindle formats, prestissimo :) Thanks for the tip.
best video on scales practicing...
Thanks you from spain, you're awesome for making this videos.
Excellent video, excellent advice. Thanks for sharing.
Really great and helpful information sir. Thanks for making such videos
Great video - helpful, I'm getting back into my music and starting from scratch with the scales, a lot of useful info here, I like how laid back this guy is. I used to have psycho music teachers, who took things so serious, and made misery instead of music!!
Thk so much! you are an excellent teacher, great energy!!
Thank you, I will learn scales using the whole keyboard. I'll look for that book you said I'd need.
Just bought the book, going to practice on it for this month(s).
Thanks for the awesome advice
So good. ❤ Now l understand how to play my scales
very helpful. You have a nice way of explaining things.
Just what I needed. Thanks!
very nice class you have given
Thank you for cover this topic. My question was what scales and arpeggios and how much should I practice.
Robert, the perfect music piece I mentioned last night is Mikrokosmos 141(Divided Arpeggios) perfect for learning arpeggios. Perfect match. And I notice that you don't have a video lesson about arpeggiated chords. As a side note, I never heard anyone getting arpeggios and arpeggiated chords mixed up.
OK - Jan 1st today! I'm going to make an attempt at 12 months to the 144... I may even document my progress via my channel... Thanks again Robert for your positive energy and fantastic lessons and insights on the piano. Cheers & Regards
Always nice videos
Great lesson, thank you so much!
Excellent teaching. I appreciate your comprehensive approach to teaching the basic scales, and particularly Hanon Exercises. Would you expand on this? I am working A flat major.
Thanks Robert great teaching 😇👍🏻
I didn't know I have to go this slow. But yeah, precision is far more important than speed. Speed comes in automatically, but only when precision has been fully accomplished.
Very helpful, Robert. Thank you.
thank you so much for you Videos. I had piano lessons for 8 years, which cost my parents a ton of Money, but i never learned a Thing about technique. Since one year i dont have any more lesson, just the hanon, a couple of nice etudes, your viedeos and i learned more than in the 8 years before. I can play much more difficult pieces now and one concert Pianist even complimented me for my good technique :DDDD
Very helpful. Useful reminder. And those Hanon exercises are very valuable like he says. I hope to make time to practice those again.
mightyoak11111 like I said Pishna, and Czerney
Thank you for the important tip
thank you for this tutorial!
Outstanding....Thank You Sir
So helpful! Thank you!
Really helpful.
Everyone is so impatient
OMG, this is soo heplful to me, thank you soo much, i was practice the tchaikovsky piano concerto no 1 and the cadenza is really bother me, now with your teaching i've almost nail it :)) thank you
Thanks for the video. I really wanna become better at this
+Delilah Brooke oh lmao interesting word choice
+Delilah Brooke my my my delilah
Good. Wordy but clear and well organized.
Robert, as a follow up, arpeggiated chords are chords played like arpeggios.
Helpful fundamentals to practice... thanks!!
Boom, finally someone who gets me motivated to practice scales and arpeggios. (And btw, didn't know that Hanon is good source for it, thought it was only a resource for finger exercises...) Thx again, for the great info!
Glad I could help!
Great videos
I love scales. I think they are really cool and fun to play.
very helpfull, thankyou.
For all those impatient people who disliked this video and say that this teacher talks too much, the piano is not for you.
The teacher's input is of very good use to me. I enjoy listening to all of the videos. Some people want to run before they can walk. They should relax and take it slowly.
If you do not like a video, you are in no obligation to watch it. I do like Mr. Estrin's videos and appreciate him for sharing his expertise with all who are interested so I do watch them.
I played for a long time and I am just getting back to it in my retirement having time to practice. I have had 3 Teachers in my life and he is amazing. I never had the Teacher talk so much and explain why I was doing certain things. He is amazing.
Beautiful.
very good lesson thank you ....your a genius
Love your vids
Brilliant!
I absolutely recommend these lessons for all my more advanced students! ( 60 days +)
Wow you're so good!
Many Thanks Sr!~!! Grate help for me!!
I play brass but look around at other instrument hints, valuable!