What is the best way to practice piano scales?

Answer 1

I think the best way is to start slow and basic. Start with C major one octave on both hands. If you can do that then you can move along the circle of fifths to G major, then D, etc. I would recommend you purchase a Hanon scale book as it goes over what I just described. Once you get the basics down then you can move on to different modular scales, blues scales, pentatonic, etc. Also don't forget arpeggios. 90% of music that people consider difficult or hard are variations of scales and arpeggios.

Answer 2

Circle of Fifths.

Start with C because it has no sharps or flats. Fingering: RH = 123,12345; LH = 123,12345

1) Hands alone:

RH

then LH

2) Hands together:

RH with LH

Then progress to other scales that use the same fingering as C did:

G

D

A

E

For the remaining major scales, the fingering changes. We will cover those once you got this pattern down.

Answer 3

The first step would be to set a metronome. Playing slowly and evenly is crucial when learning scales so start at a slow tempo ( ie 60pm) and move up incrementally from there. Running them thru the circle of 5ths will help you get used to the fingering of certain groups of scales. After that, you should break patterns. Depending on your level and how many octaves you are able to do scales, then there are a million different ways to practice them and have fun in the process. You could play different rhythms, ascend with one scale descend with another (ie C ascending, then Db descend, D ascend, Eb descend etc) contrary motion, the list goes on. Happy playing!