chromatic scale

[bobbykunkle]

i know a couple different ways of playing the chromatic scale. my teacher is a juliard graduate and his teacher taught him a pretty interesting way of playing the chromatic scale (just a little different from how most people play it). here's how i play it....starting on a B and ascending:

1-2-3-1-3-1-2-3-1-2-3-4 (and repeating going up)

and descending starting on a C#:

3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-3-1 (and repeating going down)


i was just wondering if anyone else uses this technique for playing the scale. the only real difference is switching either 1-3-1-3 or 1-2-1-2 into 1-2-3-4.

[quartaumentata]

I usually go (starting from C ascending right hand) 1-3-1-3-1-2-3-1-3-1-3-1-2 Etc (descending left hand is the mirrored fingering), which is the common "classical" fingering.

Sometimes, in fast runs I use 1-2-3-4 just for the last four notes (it is faster, but only if I don't have to go on with the cromatic sequence, so that the fourth finger is the end point of it).

The fingering you suggest involves less thumb passages, which could be useful if one has problems there (short interruptions, less fluidity of sound). Of course if one has to work on thumb passages should address the problem directly.

I can't see nothing wrong in the fingering you suggest (I'm going to give it a try); my opinion about fingering in general is: apart from obviously wrong and illogical ones, use what you feel comfortable with, as far as the result is fast/smooth/correct/younameit as expected.

[Elderane]

there's a fingering on Hanon's book for playing chromatics with a more legato sound, its helpful with fast passages when mastered.. i don't remember it at 100% but it goes something like this:

starting from C ascending 2 octaves...

RH
1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4
C - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -C - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -C

i don't remember the left hand.. :S sorry, when i got my book back i'll post it!

[Maximus]

You Need to buy this http://www.amazon.com/Virtuoso-Pianist-60-Exercises-Technique/dp/0793525446/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-7128773-5793708?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1176296812&sr=8-1 asap its all in there :wink:

[Hjalmar.jakobsson@telia.c]

Thanx for the link Maximus!!!

[mmichaelc]

I have that book but i've yet to get to chromatic scales.
That one elderane posted is definitely much smoother.

[PinkFloydDudi]

You Need to buy this http://www.amazon.com/Virtuoso-Pianist-60-Exercises-Technique/dp/0793525446/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-7128773-5793708?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1176296812&sr=8-1 asap its all in there :wink:

Just got mine in the mail yesterday per your recommendation. I will write back in 5 years when I get through all 60 exercises...lol.

You ever come across something, right when you feel you are getting better, that reminds you that you still have TONS to learn? Yeah that book did it.