This is why black key scale fingerings can often look intimidating. For example, in the last photo, the left hand goes in the order of “4, 3, 2” while the right hand goes in the order of “2, 3, 4.” If you look closer at both of those diagrams, you’ll see that the same fingers are playing on the black keys, but the order is reversed. Those are the fingers we almost ALWAYS play on this group of black notes in scales! Place these fingers on the 3 black notes. Now, form the number 3 with your fingers, in a W form (2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers). Those are the fingers we almost ALWAYS play on those black notes in the scales. Humor me for a second, and form the number two with your fingers (so hold up your 2nd and 3rd fingers). The groupings of the black notes also determine the fingering. These make learning and also memorizing much easier. When it comes to playing black key scales, there are some basics we need to cover from the start.īlack key scales have very different fingerings from white key scales as I mentioned earlier, so it is helpful to have some patterns to refer to. They use unique fingerings and notes that a complete beginner won’t be ready for.īut if you have already learned your white key scales, then by all means keep reading! Black Key Scale Basics Most of them have the same fingerings, and they all start on white keys.īlack key scales are like a whole new “course” if you will. Think of those like the “prerequisite” scales. Wait! Before you keep reading, we need to talk about prerequisities.īlack key scales are not the easiest things to learn, so it is important that you have already mastered all your white key scales before continuing. I’ll show you diagrams and sheet music with these notes as you read on. The notes in a Db scale are as follows: Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, and finally C. The Db scale uses all 5 black notes just like the B scale…but this time all the black keys are flats, not sharps! We’ll get into more about that soon. The Db scale, simply put, is a major scale that both starts and ends on the note “D flat.” It follows the typical pattern of half steps and whole steps that builds a major scale. Today I’m going to teach you everything you need to know about the Db scale, including the notes, fingerings, and more tips! What is the Db scale in piano? The D Flat piano scale may have 5 flats, but it is still a great scale to start off with when you’re learning black key scales.

D flat major scale g flat major scale