In this lesson you will discover how to play the B Flat Major Scale: (Right & Left Hand)
The B flat Major Scale has 2 black notes in it (Bflat and Eflat), but because the first and the last notes are both B flat, it feels like you’re playing 3 black notes. Even so, we say there are 2 flats in the E flat Major Scale.
The notes for the E Flat Major Scale are B flat- C – D – E flat – F – G – A – B flat
You can also use the Major Scale pattern to help you find the notes: Starting from the first note, go up a whole step to find your second note. To find your third note, go up another whole step. The Major Scale Pattern is W-W-H-W-W-W-H.
The fingering for the B flat Major Scales are:
RH 4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4
LH 3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3
Some tips to help you with the notes and fingerings: The pattern of notes is: 1 black note, 2 white notes, 1 black note, 3 white notes, and 1 black note. In the Left hand, it’s easier to start practicing starting from the top and going down. That way, you can remember that the thumb always plays a half step lower than the black note.
Once you’ve created that muscle memory, going up and down should be easier. With the Right Hand, going up, the thumb always plays after the black note too – but it plays a full whole step higher.
Remember that in both hands, the thumb is finger number 1, and the pointer fingers are finger number 2. The B Flat Major Scale is a good one to know, especially if you are playing with brass players (trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, etc.), in a wind band, or in a jazz band.