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Music TheoryScale Fingering Mastery (All 12 Keys)
Scale Fingering Mastery (All 12 Keys)
Goal
Learn the universal fingering rules to play any major or minor scale across the keyboard.
The "Tuck & Cross" Technique
To play more than 5 notes, you need to "tuck" your thumb or "cross" your fingers.
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Universal Rule (RH)
For most scales starting on white keys (C, G, D, A, E): **1 - 2 - 3 (Tuck) 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5**.
The 12 Major Keys Fingering
| Key | Right Hand | Left Hand |
|---|---|---|
| C, G, D, A, E Major | 1-2-3-tuck-1-2-3-4-5 | 5-4-3-2-1-cross-3-2-1 |
| F Major | 1-2-3-4-tuck-1-2-3 | 5-4-3-2-1-cross-3-2-1 |
| B Major | 1-2-3-tuck-1-2-3-4 | 4-3-2-1-cross-4-3-2-1 |
| Bb Major | 2-1-2-3-tuck-1-2-3-4 | 3-2-1-cross-4-3-2-1-cross-3 |
Quick Recap
The thumb (1) is your pivot point.
Never use the thumb on a black key if you can avoid it.
Consistency is more important than speed.
Apply Your Knowledge
Practice what you just learned with these songs