Play the B Flat Scale on the Piano

The B Flat (Bb) major scale is not the easiest scale to learn. To play this scale might require a bit of experience playing other scales.

Steps

  1. Know the order of the notes on a piano keyboard. Obviously, you'll need to know which notes to play. Chances are, you've had some kind of Enjoy Playing the Piano before, but if you've never touched a piano in your life, the picture to the right should help you. For someone with a little more knowledge of music, just know that each key goes up a half-step in order. The black keys are generally sharps/flats, and the white keys are natural notes.
  2. Take note of the key signature. The B flat major scale has two flats in it, B and E flat (black keys). All other notes will be played natural (white keys).
  3. Observe the correct fingering for the Bb flat major scale. On both hands the thumb is always number 1 and the pinkies number 5. One common fingering, for the right hand (upward) is {2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4} and continuing into the next octave from C: {1 2 3 1 2 3 4} and for the left hand (upward): {3 2 1 4 3 2 1 2} and continuing into the octave from C: {1 4 3 2 3 2}.
  4. Play the first note of the scale. The Bb scale starts on Bb, which is the third black key in the "set" of three black keys next to each other.
  5. Continue up the scale. You will next play C, D, E flat, F, G, A, and then B flat.
  6. Practice. Perfect your technique, and gradually work up to being able to play the scale faster. Remember to keep an even feel to the sound. No single note should stick out.

Tips

  • Once you've learned your scales and some music theory, you can try your hand at composing music. It'll take practice, but you'll eventually get good at it.
  • Keep in mind that while scales aren't always much fun, they're important to help you understand key signatures and are the root of all music.

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Sources and Citations

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