PIANO SCALES

Exploring Piano Scales

The ability to play several piano scales fluently is one main objective that all pianists should accomplish.
But why should piano players place great emphasis on playing scales when it is easier to learn songs using short term methods?
Well, many musicians have bypassed learning scales at the beginning of their musical career. Some even think that it is a waste of time. A number of musicians especially piano players have made this mistake and then regret it later on in their career. As a pianist, learning to play scales is one of the most important parts of your musical career.
If you should ask a number of great pianists to rate the importance of playing scales during their development, I am sure that they will give it high points.

So why are scales so important?
During the process of learning to play scales, the letter names of the piano keys are been reinforced. Yes, if you should learn to play different scales in all twelve keys on the keyboard, you will automatically explore the piano keys using a different approach.
Scales have helped a number of individuals to learn the keys of the piano in a quick manner.
Another benefit that you will gain from playing scales on the piano is finger strength.
While manipulating the keys on the keyboard you are also building the muscles in your wrist and fingers thus preparing you for long performances in the future.
When learning piano scales, you will learn how to place and use your fingers correctly on the piano keyboard. This will enable you to play melodies fluently and even help with piano solos and variations during performances.
Understanding how scales work and how they are constructed will give the player a better understanding of how chords are used in music.

Click here to learn how intervals are used in the construction of scales.

WHAT ARE SCALES?
This is one of my simplest definitions.
A scale is a group of notes that are played one after the other.
There are different types of scale in music such as major scales, minor scales, blues scales and pentatonic scales. The most popular type of scales that are used in music is the major scale. There are twelve major scales in music. It is very important for beginners to know how to play all twelve major scales.
Another popular scale to be learned by beginner piano players is the minor scale. Like the major scale there are twelve minor scales in music. However, minor scales are form or constructed from major scales. The chromatic scale is also an important scale to be practiced by beginners. Chromatic scales serve as good finger exercise for piano players.
Chromatic scales are probably the easiest scale to remember among the number of scales that exist.
While exploring piano scales, you will realize that all scales have specific purpose in music and you will understand how to use them properly.
One scale that I personally enjoy playing is the blues scale, because it is perfect for short solos and variations. It would be good if you take time to research as much scales as possible and practice them.
I am sure if you send quality time practicing a variety of scales, you will see great improvement in your piano playing.