Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced pianist, practicing piano scales is essential to improve your technique and understanding of music. Not only do they help with dexterity and hand coordination, but scales also provide a basis for learning pieces of music.
While there are many different piano scales books on the market, it can be daunting trying to find the right one for your level and interests. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best piano scales books for beginners, intermediates and advanced players.
Before we get into our recommended best piano scales books, let’t start with learning a bot more about scales and scales for piano. If you want, you can jump directly to our piano scale books recommendation.
What are piano scales and why should you practice them?
Scales are an important part of piano playing, and they should be practiced regularly in order to improve your technique.
Scales help to develop finger strength and dexterity, and they also provide a good opportunity to work on your hand-eye coordination. In addition, scales can help you to learn the notes of the piano more quickly, and they can also be used as a warm-up before playing a piece of music.
While it is important to practice scales regularly, it is also important not to become too fixated on them. Try to focus on enjoying the music that you are making, and focus on your breathing in order to relax your body and mind. If you can do this, then you will find that your piano playing will improve greatly.
The benefits of practicing piano scales
Scales are the building blocks of all Western music. By learning to play piano scales, piano players lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical exploration.
Scales help to develop finger dexterity and coordination, and they also provide a framework for improvising and composing new music. In addition, practicing scales can be a meditative and therapeutic experience, helping musicians to focus and relax.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, taking the time to practice piano scales is always beneficial. So put aside some time each day to play your favorite scales, and you’ll soon see your musical skills improve.
Different types of scales for piano
There are many different types of piano scales, each with its own unique sound and feel. Major scales are the most commonly used, and they have a bright, cheerful sound.
Minor scales have a more somber sound, and they’re often used in classical music. Chromatic scales are used to create tension and suspense, while whole-tone scales have a dreamy, ethereal quality.
No matter what type of music you’re playing, there’s a scale that will suit your needs. So experiment and find the one that sounds best to you.
How to practice scales on piano
When it comes to practicing scales on piano, repetition is key. Start by playing each scale slowly and evenly, making sure that each note is clear and distinct.
Once you have the scale down, you can begin to increase the speed.
However, it is important to maintain a even tempo; rushing through the scales will only lead to errors. In addition, be sure to practice both hands separately at first.
This will help you to develop a stronger sense of timing and coordination. With patience and practice, you’ll be playing scales like a pro in no time!
The best piano scales books for beginners, intermediates and advanced players
Easy Visual Scales by Alasdair Macaskill
If you’re looking for an engaging and visual way to learn piano scales, look no further than Easy Visual Scales by Alasdair Macaskill.
This user-friendly book provides clear keyboard diagrams, fingering tips, and two-octave scores for each scale, making it easy to grasp even the most complex concepts.
And because pianists of all levels can benefit from a refresher on the basics, the book also includes a review of key signatures.
Best of all, at such a low price point, this valuable resource is a must-have for any serious student or piano teacher. So don’t wait – pick up your copy today!
Piano Scales, Chords & Arpeggios Lessons by Damon Ferrante
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to learn piano scales, chords, and arpeggios, then you need “Piano Scales, Chords & Arpeggios Lessons by Damon Ferrante”.
This fantastic book starts by covering the basics of music theory and piano technique before diving into the scales. With a clear, step-by-step approach, this book is easy to understand for any age and level.
The friendly tone throughout the book makes the learning experience much more fun and engaging. You’ll be equipped with the essential knowledge and skills to learn and understand the scales in no time!
The Complete Book Of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios & Cadences by Willard A. Palmer
The Complete Book Of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios & Cadences by Willard A. Palmer is an excellent resource for learning or teaching scales.
The book covers all the major, minor (natural, harmonic, melodic), and chromatic scales in all keys. Chords, arpeggios, and cadences in all keys and different variations are also thoroughly explained.
The book is well-organized and clearly written, making it easy for self-teaching beginners or experienced piano teachers to use.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to brush up on your skills, this book is an essential guide to understanding and playing scales.
Scale And Arpeggio Manual by Walter MacFarren
Any performer will tell you that technique is key, and nowhere is this truer than in classical piano.
To play with the finesse and precision that the genre demands, it is essential to have a strong command of scales and arpeggios.
For nearly a century, Scale and Arpeggio Manual by Walter MacFarren has been the go-to resource for pianists seeking to develop their skills in this area.
First published in 1915, the book includes all the scales and arpeggios in all keys, as well as variations on each. In addition, there are related exercises for each scale and arpeggio to help build dexterity, agility, and flexibility.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, this book is sure to provide valuable insights into the world of classical piano.
Scales, Chords & Arpeggios by James Bastien
The Bastien books are essential for every piano student. Scales, Chords & Arpeggios is no different. This book starts with the basics of scale degree names and notation.
It then moves on to two-octave scales in all 12 major and minor keys. Three-octave scales are included as well.
The book goes into great detail about each type of scale with many helpful illustrations. Each scale is broken down into smaller parts so that the student can practice slowly and gradually speed up.
There are also many exercises to help the student memorize and understand each scale better. This book is a valuable resource for every intermediate to advanced piano student.
Scales Bootcamp by Philip A Johnston
The book “Scales Bootcamp” by Philip A Johnston is a great resource for anyone trying to improve their skills on the piano.
One of the things that makes it so helpful is that it takes a very dull and boring subject – scales – and makes it into something that is interactive and fun.
The book is also full of practical fingering diagrams that will be helpful for any pianist, no matter their level of experience.
If you have always found scales to be a struggle, “Scales Bootcamp” is definitely worth checking out. It just might be the resource you need to finally master those pesky scales once and for all!