Question on Playing Scales

[atticus]

Hi All,

I have a question on playing scales with multiple sharps or flats....When playing these types of scales, how far into the black keys should your hand be?  Should your hand be in so far that your thumb can touch a black key without having to slide in?  Is there a such thing as playing too far into the black keys?

Thanks,
atticus

[pianowelsh]

Depends which key and the size and shape of your hand. RULE your thumb should never trail off the end of the keyboard in scale playing. If it does your hand is not in an efficient scale playing position. Imagine a train running along the tracks. If the couplings are loose the ride will be bumpy!

[pianoteacherkim]

Hi Atticus,

Pianowelsh is right.  It's really all about your hand size and shape.  As you play your scales, experiment with hand placement.

Think about it in terms of efficiency and relaxation.  You want to have energy in your arms and hands when you play, but not tension or strain -- so you want to find the place on the keys where your hands and fingers can do the work of pressing the keys as efficiently and with as little extraneous movement as you can.

Also take notice of how your hands move from one position to the next.  As you practice consciously, you'll start building muscle memory not only for hand placement but transition movements as well.

Best,

Kim