Fingering notation in scale manual?

These are reminders to the pianist where the fourth finger will land.

All Diatonic Scales (Major and Minor Derivatives including Melodic, Harmonic and Natural) consist of 7 distinct notes before the octave is reached. To play these scales you will notice a reoccurring fingering pattern thus: [1-2-3]-[1-2-3-4]

For Example:

Ascending Scales - Right Hand:

C, G, D, A and B Majors all have this exact pattern.

F Major starts at group 2 - [1-2-3-4]-[1-2-3]

Eb Major starts mid-way through group 1 - ..3]-[1-2-3-4]-[1-2...

etc...

Finger Substitutions

You will notice that in your ABRSM book Eb is indicated to start with finger 2 - you can just as easily and correctly start with 3. This might be indicated thus (3) on the score?

You will further notice that at the top of the scale 5 is indicated for C, G, D, A and B Major - this is usual for ease of 'turn-a-round' before you descend the scale - but you could also quite as easily play 1 ... (Although this might not be recommended by the majority !)

Hopefully this helps to understand the quick 'reminder' at the top of the scale page. You might prefer to write your own reminder thus: RH [1-2-3]-[1-2-3-4] or simply RH [1-2-3]. LH ..1][4-3-2-1]

HINT: B Major is by far the easiest scale for the Right-hand as the notes naturally fall under the hand when practising passing your thumb under and F# Major for the left hand... CHECK YOUR BOOK FOR FINGERING and not the reoccurring pattern - I've not touched the Left-hand or descending scale patterns here!

Happy Scaling the heights of Piano Technique - Scales !

Congratulations on embarking on a 'grand' journey !

There is no historical tradition or bigger picture with the way that the ABRSM have printed their piano scale book. If you look at other exam boards you will see they have a different approach to what they think might be useful to beginning students.

Personally, I don't find the Forth Finger hint that useful - I just want to know what finger to start with and where the first passing of the thumb is the rest is easily and quickly worked out.

As you are starting out, I would like to disabuse you of the idea that there are baby scales - each scale is to be approached with the same respect and determination - you are looking to achieve a consistent tone and dynamic for each step as you ascend and descend the scale this is only achieve by slow practice.

Like I said - Happy Scaling !