Scales Sequence

How to teach scales in the right order

When teaching scales, like everything, we strive to sequence the material in a way that makes the most sense for the student. Here are a few guidelines and recommendations for teaching scales with a meaningful sequencing, plus deep learning, relevance, and development of playing skills:

1. Start with C Major and A Minor (natural minor). They are the most straightforward since they use only white keys, and have the same fingering. One octave, hands separate, and then when ready, hands together. Play very slowly; there is no need to go fast, and going too fast too soon can make learning more difficult without accomplishing anything important.

2. Introduce major mode solfege and/or scale degrees, singing the scale while playing. Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do, or 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (1). Students can also sing the letter names, C D E F G A B C.

3. Introduce both Do-based and La-based minor mode solfege (and/or scale degrees). Do-based minor: Do Re Me Fa So Le Te Do. La-based minor: La Ti Do Re Mi Fa So La. Students can also sing the letter names, A B C D E F G A.

(The goal with solfege at this time is to get students immersed in it, and singing while playing.)

4. Next, teach the four major scales that use the same fingering, in the order of the circle of fifths: G, D, A, and E. Continue to sing solfege, etc., while playing.

5. When the student is ready, go two octaves, first hands separate, and then hands together. Always playing slowly.

6. Next, add the four minor mode scales that use the same fingering as the major scales learned. These, in addition to A, are E, D, G, and C. It can be useful to discuss the relationships between major and minor scales that have the same accidentals (relative), and/or the same starting note (tonic or scale degree one) (parallel).

7. Follow the same pattern of one octave, HS, HT, then two octaves, HS, HT. Always playing slowly. Continue to sing solfege, etc., while playing.

8. Next, add these four scales: F Major, B Major, F Minor, and B Minor. They are the first scales with varying finger numbers, but only slightly so. Follow the same patterns and principles.

9. Next, the other major and natural minor scales can be taught and learned. Note the enharmonic scales: B and Cb, and F# and Gb, e.g., that have the same fingerings.

10. Finally, teach the altered minor scales: the so-called melodic minor and harmonic minor. It’s best to teach these scales along with other principles of harmony and voice leading. Those subjects are the reason the altered minor scales exist – they are not actual modes.

11. Once all the scales are learned, two octaves, then it is a relatively easy task to learn to play them three octaves and four octaves, and other variations such as contrary motion.

12. Teach the chromatic scale, other modes: Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, and Mixolydian. (Locrian is an optional “theoretical” scale.) When teaching modes and scales, it is helpful to have students learn songs or pieces that use those scales. Keep singing while playing. And gradually increase speed as comfort, confidence, and tension-free playing technique develop.

Here is a YouTube channel playlist of lessons and play-along backing tracks that follows steps 1 through 5:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juzby7Ix5Es&list=PLgqeqXk0ocgN8Ri6b_EqUQREU3aEIacD5