Piano Keys

Scale

D major scale on piano

The D major scale is D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, returning to D. It uses 2 black keys. The usual right-hand fingering is 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5, tucking the thumb under after the third note.

D · E · F# · G · A · B · C#

What is the fingering for the D major scale?

Right hand: 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5. Start with the thumb on D and tuck it under after the third note so the hand can carry on without stopping. The left hand mirrors it, starting with the little finger.

Why learn this scale?

A scale is the set of notes a piece is built from. Learning D major means the notes of any piece in that key are already under your fingers, and the chords come from the same set. It is pattern practice, not a test.

Open the scale explorer to see any scale drawn on a keyboard, or practise reading it on the note trainer.