How to play scales?

[green]

Slide from thumb? First slow exagerated, C major for ex, top of C with thumb, slide 12, then 3 slides back up to thumb top of F, slide 123, and 4 sldes back up. Down, 5 at top of C slide 543, then 2 slides up to thumb on F 1321.

How have others learned to play scales?

[bernhard]

Er...

I am not sure I understand what you are saying.

[rachlisztchopin]

:-/ i have absolutely no clue what u are saying

[chopininoff]

Wait. When you say "slide" you mean play? So with your C major example, your fingering, starting from C for the right hand, goes 12312345 then back down (5)4321321?

The keys being played being CDEFGABC(C)BAGFEDC?

Yes, that's how I do it. Fingering changes depending on whether you start off on a black or white key though as you make your way through the different key signatures. Have you done the left hand?

[green]

Ok, to simplify, from the top of C, slide down the key, moving the whole hand towards yourself, changing to 2 on D, then arriving at the bottom of the key on E - finger 3. Back to the top of the key on F, same 1234. This is done slowly, exagerated, as it speeds up less and less motion.  

It was shown to me as a technique advocated by Michaelangeli, to promote a 'sliding' over the keys (how to put it...), where the thumb is the 'axis' of the slide, as opposed to a more vertical motion of the fingers, with a horizontal motion of arm. The outcome of which is to develop faster scales that retain a clear legato or staccato - which means an even tone.

[zhiliang]

I am not really sure about this, but how does it helps you to play scales? Wouldnt that go against the horizontal movement that the arms are supposed to make?

Zhiliang

[monk]

The main question, green, is: Does that help you???
If not, drop it, even if you have heard somewhere that it's good. (Provided that you have applied the technique right.)

For me, evenness of tone comes when I DON'T slide along the keys. I play as if the finger is glued to one spot of the key for a short moment. This way I have much more control. And for a simple C scale obviously no sliding is necessary. Necessary is freedom of wrist and arm (shoulder joint!), loose thumb and, especially when playing over many octaves, a body that assists the motion from left to right (e.g. by rolling the pelvis from left to right).