Playing the C Major Scale with the Right Fingers

Scales are the building blocks of music. Practising them makes your fingers stronger, smoother and more even, and helps you understand the songs you play. C major is the best place to start, because it uses only the white keys.

C

D

E

F

G

A

B

C

Finger numbers

Pianists number their fingers the same way on both hands: thumb is 1, index 2, middle 3, ring 4 and little finger 5.

Right hand

Start with your thumb on middle C and play upwards. The finger number is in brackets:

C (5) – D (4) – E (3) – F (2) – G (1) – A (3) – B (2) – C (1)

This time, after G (thumb), your middle finger crosses over to play A. On the way down, your thumb tucks under after A.

A simple practice plan

1. Play the scale up and down with your right hand, four times.
2. Do the same with your left hand.
3. Set the metronome to 60 BPM and play one note per click.
4. When it feels comfortable, play two notes per click.

Once C major feels easy, try G major. It's the same pattern of fingers with just one black key: F sharp.

Free toolScale FinderSee any scale or thaat on piano and guitar, with note names or sargam labels, and hear it played up and down.

Last updated 9 October 2026

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