Smoother Scales

You know what the hardest part of a scale is? The thumb tuck. It takes up the most time, it's the most awkward AND it creates bumps if not properly executed.

One of the biggest keys to having smoother scales it to have your thumb ready preemptively. An example is: Say you're playing C + with your RH. your 1 goes on C, 2 on D and 3 on E then you tuck so that your thumb will end up on F. The key is to have your thumb ready to already play the F when you're pressing the E down, that way it can sound smooth and seamless.

So when should you start moving your thumb over to the F? It should be as soon as you play D with your 2nd finger. Let your thumb glide underneath your hand without twisting the wrist. So the rule would be, 2 notes before you're playing the thumb start moving it into position, then 1 note before you play the thumb have your thumb ready to play on that next note.

Hopefully this was clear enough....I think I'm better at explaining things on video than I am with text.

Admin Andrew wrote:You know what the hardest part of a scale is? The thumb tuck. It takes up the most time, it's the most awkward AND it creates bumps if not properly executed.

One of the biggest keys to having smoother scales it to have your thumb ready preemptively. An example is: Say you're playing C + with your RH. your 1 goes on C, 2 on D and 3 on E then you tuck so that your thumb will end up on F. The key is to have your thumb ready to already play the F when you're pressing the E down, that way it can sound smooth and seamless.

So when should you start moving your thumb over to the F? It should be as soon as you play D with your 2nd finger. Let your thumb glide underneath your hand without twisting the wrist. So the rule would be, 2 notes before you're playing the thumb start moving it into position, then 1 note before you play the thumb have your thumb ready to play on that next note.

Hopefully this was clear enough....I think I'm better at explaining things on video than I am with text.

Thanks I found that very helpful.
I have a tiny problem with doing the scales with two hands at the same time because I know the "thumb walking" with right hand and I can concentrate on it... but my left is way behind in that....
Any idea on developing my left so it can catch up to my right during the scales... and other times too?? Best method on forcing your brain doing 2 things at a time?

I practice a bit stacato and legato. If I use the terms correct?
Switch - Play both hands toghether, but the one hands fingers jumps on the keys, while the other one goes smooth over the keys.
Think I got this tip from a videolesson by Andrew. HAvnt done it to much, couse I can play scales up and down pretty fast with both hands smiultainusly... But maby it helps? Try it =)

thomandy wrote:I practice a bit stacato and legato. If I use the terms correct?
Switch - Play both hands toghether, but the one hands fingers jumps on the keys, while the other one goes smooth over the keys.
Think I got this tip from a videolesson by Andrew. HAvnt done it to much, couse I can play scales up and down pretty fast with both hands smiultainusly... But maby it helps? Try it =)

Thanks I got to watch Andrews videos more... I always end up watching it from the beginning and I already saw the first 10 episodes numerous times... but not the rest...

Thanks for the idea I will try it... eventually

maggiekedves wrote:
Thanks I got to watch Andrews videos more... I always end up watching it from the beginning and I already saw the first 10 episodes numerous times... but not the rest...

Thanks for the idea I will try it... eventually

*gasp* you haven't seen my lessons after #10? Watch lesson #21 and #23 i think those will help you

Admin Andrew wrote:

maggiekedves wrote:
Thanks I got to watch Andrews videos more... I always end up watching it from the beginning and I already saw the first 10 episodes numerous times... but not the rest...

Thanks for the idea I will try it... eventually

*gasp* you haven't seen my lessons after #10? Watch lesson #21 and #23 i think those will help you

Hehe Yeah, Maggie! You shouldnt stop at 10, couse its not really getting harder and harder. Its mixed a bit i think, so you should just pick a topic really and watch. I Saw the one oon relaxing you mind last night. Missed that one,

AnD I saw your walk in the snow'y Canada It was really nice weather there that day. I guess we pretty much got the same weather and temperature. A sunny day at wintertime is really beautyfull


This one I took at my eastertrip to "hafjell" (name of a mountain in Norway, famous from the Winter Games-94)

Admin Andrew wrote:

*gasp* you haven't seen my lessons after #10? Watch lesson #21 and #23 i think those will help you

But I diligently watched the first 10 like 4-5 times I always want to watch it from 1 till 30 but so far I did not have time for it... BUT NOW Im done with my exams yeaah so I can watch them all

maggiekedves wrote:

Admin Andrew wrote:

*gasp* you haven't seen my lessons after #10? Watch lesson #21 and #23 i think those will help you

But I diligently watched the first 10 like 4-5 times I always want to watch it from 1 till 30 but so far I did not have time for it... BUT NOW Im done with my exams yeaah so I can watch them all

nice well they don't get any harder! They're just different things My least favorite lesson is #14...i think i look SOOO discusting in that video, i should have never gone on camera looking like that...

lol Anyway! let me know when you finish all the lessons let me know what you think....oh and did you ever see the lesson i made for YOU..? It's lesson #32

Admin Andrew wrote:

nice well they don't get any harder! They're just different things My least favorite lesson is #14...i think i look SOOO discusting in that video, i should have never gone on camera looking like that...

lol Anyway! let me know when you finish all the lessons let me know what you think....oh and did you ever see the lesson i made for YOU..? It's lesson #32

FOR ME? OOOOOH I am sooooo honoured... I did not see anything the last 5 days I was busy with my family... and I finished up my exams... it feels sooo nice... now I need to box everything for moving and get ready for our exciting summer holiday

One of my favorite part is when you take your piano into parts... and I like the one where you show the emotions with the shark movie and you talk but I cant understand a word you say
I know the parts are not getting necessary harder... but I like to watch them in order... I guess that is just my maniac

So I better go now and check out the lesson made for me

ps. now you made me curious about lesson 14 too

Sweet. I'll have my thumb ready for action for tomorrow ;D.