Practicing Scales
As mentioned previously, it is essential to be able to play both single notes and chords equally well with both hands. A good way of developing strength and independence in all the fingers is to practice scales with each hand and with both hands together. The following exercises demonstrate various ways of playing the G major scale. First, here is the scale in the bass staff — to be played by the left hand. The first note is a new low G note. Notice the fingering written under the music — a crossover is necessary when moving between D and E.
Next, play the scale with both hands together. Play slowly and listen carefully. Don’t rush! The most important thing is to play each note with both hands at exactly the same time, and to be sure all notes are even in length and volume. This time the right hand part begins with a new low G note. The crossovers occur at different times with each hand, so take care not to lose your timing at these points.
Once you can play a scale smoothly and evenly with both hands together, the next step is to play it over more than one octave. The following example shows the G major scale played in eighth notes over two octaves. The first note of the second octave is played with the thumb (1). This necessitates thumb under and crossover techniques. Take them slowly at first and only increase the speed once it is totally comfortable.
The Common Time Signature
This symbol is called common time. It means exactly the same as *.
This example in common time will put your scale practice to good use. The melody is played first by the left hand and then the right. The hands reverse roles every four bars.
