PNO 110 Lesson 2 From Mcsnups' Piano Notes

Pianoforte: Softly Loudly Soft.

The Diatonic Major Scale for Pianoforte by Perfect Mcsnup.

A Mcsnup Teaches Pianoforte Excerpts.

Introduction to Piano Keyboard Anatomy Video

Introduction:

The Diatonic Major Scale is one of the first scales we learn on the Piano.

The scale has seven distinct tones, so we say it is a heptatonic scale: that is a scale of seven degrees! The first degree doubles as the Octave- thus the start of a new series of pitch-quadrant.

Tones And Semitones:

The Diatonic Major Scale has five whole steps, and two half steps. Whole steps are also called TONES and half steps are called SEMITONES.

When we look at the Piano, we notice series of white and black keys, the black keys are arranged in groups of two's and three'. The white key that is just before the group of two black keys, is the key of C and F is the white just before the group of three black keys (see our Previous Lesson/Sessions on this).

Now, from C to the black key just above C (that is C#), is a half step or semitone. Two half steps (Semitones) make one Tone (Whole Step), therefore, from C to D is a whole step (Tone).

Law of the Diatonic Major Scale:

Every scale is governed by a Law- a principle which applies to the scale voicing when played from any key Centre! For the Diatonic Major Scale, the law Applies thus:

Between the 1st and 2nd degree of the scale, is a Tone.

Between the 2nd and 3rd degree of the scale, is a Tone (Whole Step).

Between the 3rd and 4th degree of the scale, is a Semitone (half step).

Between the 4th and 5th degree of the scale is a Tone.

Between the 5th and 6th degree of the scale, is a Tone (Whole Step).

Between the 6th and 7th degree of the scale, is a Tone (Whole Step).

Between the 7th and the Octave is a semitone (half Step).

Application of The Major Scale (First Family Keys):

Applying this rule on the key of C (Major), we have an all white key application thus:

C D E F G A B C'.

The Diatonic Major Scale sounds: do re mi fa soh la te do'.

Other keys we will consider are:

G Major: (one Sharp: F#)

G A B C D E F# G'

D Major: (2 Sharps: F# C#)

D E F# G A B C# D'

A Major: (3 Sharps: F# C# G#).

A B C# D E F# G# A.

And 

E Major: (4 Sharps: F# C# G# D#).

E F# G# A B C# D# E'.

Refer To The Work Book To Progress Further:

 Mcsnup's Fingering Techniques Work Book Available in our Online Music Store.

These are all provided on One Octave, our Piano Beginners Course Work Book , however, include the Diatonic Major Scale across all twelve keys and on about two to three Octaves. The Diatonic Major Scale is not the only scale there is, there are others, a number of which have also been included in the Work Book.

Finally, we look at the Fingering Technique to playing the keys we just considered:

For the Right Hand, we use fingering: 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5.

And For the Left Hand, we use fingering:

5 4 3 2 1 3 2 1.

Remember this applies to just one Octave! Practice the scale over and over, until you can play both hands simultaneously and with ease. A good Recommendation is to practice independently, say, right hand only, then left hand, before practicing with both hands.

Join The Group Discussion:

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If you enjoyed the lessons and would love to personally reach us with questions and comments, here's the Mcsnup Teaches Pianoforte WhatsApp and Telegram Groups, join a number of other Piano Performance Enthusiasts, every weekend as we discuss the Applications of Piano Music Theories.

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Perfect Mcsnup (MD/CME, RHng).