Scale Fingering – D Major

The D Major has the same fingering as the C major scale but contains two sharpened notes (F sharp and C sharp). Just like all the other scales it’s best to start off with 1 and 2 octave hands separately before trying them hands together. You can increase the D major scale to cover 3 and 4 octaves by putting the thumb under again in the right hand and 4th in the left hand and continuing the same fingering further up the piano. In the earlier ABRSM piano grades you will only be required to play the D Major scale 1 and 2 octaves hand together however in later grades you’ll be expected to play it in contrary motion (both thumbs starting on D) as well as 4 octaves hands together. You can find ABRSM piano scale books in local music shops in Swindon as well as online. 

Here is the piano fingering for the D Major scale as taught in my lessons:

One octave R.H (up) 12312345 (down) 4321321

One octave L.H (up) 54321321 (down) 2312345

Two octaves R.H (up) 123123412312345 (down) 43213214321321

Two octaves L.H (up) 543213214321321 (down) 23123412312345

Watch video demonstration of the teacher playing the D major scale:

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