Scale Fingering – G Minor (Harmonic, Melodic and Natural)

The G Harmonic Minor scale contains 3 blacks notes consisting of Bb, Eb and F# and uses the typical C major fingering learnt previously. It might be quite tricky to begin with so I would suggest keeping the scale to 1 and 2 octave hands separately before attempting it hands together. If you want to increase the scale to 3 and 4 octaves you can do this in the same way as learnt in previous scales which share the same C major fingering pattern. The Melodic minor (which has a Bb and F# going up) and the Natural minor (which has a Bb and Eb going up and down) are normally used in conjunction which each other playing the ascending Melodic minor going up the piano followed by the Natural minor going down the piano. The G Minor scale is required at earlier ABRSM piano grades 1 and 2 octaves hands together, however in later grades the scale will be required in many forms including up to 4 octaves hands together, contrary motion, staccato as well as a 3rd apart. I would strongly recommend purchasing a copy of the ABRSM piano scale book, particular as you progress to the higher grades. You can buy this from the ABRSM website as well as from local music shops in Swindon.

Here is the piano fingering for the G Minor scales 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 G Minor scale (Harmonic):

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