Beginner Piano Lesson #3

Learning the C Major Scale & Simple Melody Playing

Review

Before starting, make sure you can:

• Identify Middle C.
• Play the notes C-D-E-F-G with your right hand.
• Count steady quarter notes: 1-2-3-4.

The C Major Scale

The C Major Scale uses only the white keys:

C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C

Right-Hand Fingering

C = 1 (thumb)
D = 2
E = 3
F = 1 (thumb tucks under)
G = 2
A = 3
B = 4
C = 5

Practice slowly:

C D E F G A B C
C B A G F E D C

Rhythm Exercise

Play each note for one beat:

C  D  E  F
1  2  3  4

G  A  B  C
1  2  3  4

Use a slow, steady count.

Simple Melody: “Ode to Joy” (First Phrase)

Right Hand:

E E F G
G F E D
C C D E
E D D

Play slowly and count:

1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2

Ear Training

Listen and identify:

• Does the note go higher or lower?
• Play C then G.
• Play G then C.
• Notice the difference in pitch.

Practice Assignment (10–15 Minutes)

1. C Major Scale up and down – 5 times.
2. Rhythm exercise – 3 times.
3. “Ode to Joy” phrase – 5 times.
4. End by playing:

C - E - G - C

This creates a pleasant C Major sound.

Piano Tip

Keep your fingers gently curved, like you’re holding a small ball. Let your wrists stay relaxed and level with the keyboard.

Next Lesson (#4):
Playing with the left hand and your first two-hand exercise. 🎹

🎹 Beginner Piano Lesson #1: The Basics

Week One

🎯 Lesson Goals:

• Learn the layout of the piano
• Understand finger numbers
• Play your first simple melody

1. 🧭 Know Your Keyboard

The piano is made up of white and black keys. The black keys are in repeating groups of 2 and 3.

Find Middle C:

• Look for a group of 2 black keys near the center.
• The white key to the left of the first black key in that pair is Middle C.

2. 🖐️ Finger Numbers

Each finger on each hand has a number:

• Thumb = 1
• Index = 2
• Middle = 3
• Ring = 4
• Pinky = 5

You’ll use these to know which fingers to play notes with.

3. 🎵 Play Your First Notes: C-D-E

Place your right-hand thumb (finger 1) on Middle C, and play this:

C - D - E - D - C
1   2   3   2   1

Try to keep your fingers curved and relaxed. Play slowly and evenly.

4. 📖 Practice Tips

• Practice 5–10 minutes a day to build muscle memory.
• Focus on accuracy first, then on speed.
• Use a metronome if you can (start slow: 60 bpm).

✅ What’s Next?

Once you’re comfortable, you can move to:

• Playing C Major Scale
• Reading basic sheet music (treble clef)
• Using both hands together