The E major scale has a rich, resonant sound that shows up in everything from classical compositions to rock, pop, and jazz. If you’ve already learned simpler scales like C, G, or D major, E major is a great next step that introduces a few more sharps and helps build finger coordination. In this lesson, you’ll learn the notes of the E major scale, the correct fingerings for each hand, and some helpful tips for practicing it effectively.


E Major Scale Notes

The E major scale follows the same formula used for all major scales:
Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half

Starting on E, this gives us the following notes:
E – F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D♯ – E

The E major scale has four sharps in its key signature: F♯, G♯, C♯, and D♯


E Major Scale on the Keyboard

Here’s what the E major scale looks like visually on the piano:

  • E (white key)
  • F♯ (black key)
  • G♯ (black key)
  • A (white key)
  • B (white key)
  • C♯ (black key)
  • D♯ (black key)
  • E (white key, one octave higher)

Take a moment to locate these notes on your keyboard before moving on to fingering.


Right-Hand Fingering

For the right hand, use this finger pattern when ascending:

1 – 2 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5

Here’s how it aligns with the scale:

  • E – 1 (thumb)
  • F♯ – 2
  • G♯ – 3
  • A – 1 (thumb crosses under)
  • B – 2
  • C♯ – 3
  • D♯ – 4
  • E – 5

To descend, reverse the pattern:
5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 3 – 2 – 1

As you ascend, tuck your thumb under your third finger after G♯. When descending, cross your third finger over your thumb after B.


Left-Hand Fingering

For the left hand, the ascending pattern is:

5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 3 – 2 – 1
And descending:
1 – 2 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5

Here’s how it matches with the notes:

  • E – 5 (pinky)
  • F♯ – 4
  • G♯ – 3
  • A – 2
  • B – 1 (thumb)
  • C♯ – 3 (cross over)
  • D♯ – 2
  • E – 1

Just like the right hand, smooth finger crossing is key for fluid playing.


Practice Tips

  • Start slowly and focus on accuracy and correct finger placement.
  • Use a metronome to develop consistent rhythm.
  • Say the note names aloud to build familiarity.
  • Practice each hand separately before combining them.
  • Once you’re comfortable, try playing two or more octaves.
  • Practice both ascending and descending the scale.

Why Learn the E Major Scale?

Learning the E major scale helps you:

  • Strengthen finger independence and technique
  • Understand the key signature of E major (and its relative minor, C♯ minor)
  • Prepare for pieces written in E major, commonly found in genres like rock, gospel, and pop

This scale appears in songs by artists like Coldplay, The Beatles, Adele, and many more. It’s also a foundational scale for guitar-based music, making it especially useful if you collaborate with other musicians.


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