G major scale

Why G major first?

A scale is a ladder of notes in order. It is the alphabet of music. Learn scales and songs get easier.

G major has just one sharp, F♯. The first three notes use only your left hand.

On alto, G major is also the key that sounds like Bb major, one of the most common band keys.

The notes

G – A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G. Press the octave key from D up. Watch the F♯: it is the right-hand middle finger.

The tempo ladder

Slow practice builds fast fingers. Start slow, and only move up when you play it perfectly twice in a row.

1. Step 1: 60 beats per minute

   One note per beat. Up and down. Perfect twice? Move on.

2. Step 2: 72

   Same pattern. Keep the air steady.

3. Step 3: 88

   Smooth fingers. Do not tense your hands.

4. Step 4: 100

   A lively tempo. If it gets messy, go back one step.

Three ways to play it

1. Tongued

   Start every note with “too.” Clear and clean.

2. Slurred

   Tongue only the first note and move your fingers smoothly with a steady air stream.

3. Two and two

   Tongue the first note, slur the second. Tongue the third, slur the fourth. Repeat.

Practice with the trainer

Can you…

• Play G major up and down at 60
• Play the F♯ every time
• Play it at 72 without mistakes
• Play it slurred
• Play it from memory