Lesson Objectives

Introduce the use of our left hand in playing the keyboard.
Introduce the bass clef.
Introduce and understand the role of ledger lines in the musical stave.
Develop our understanding and playing of triads.
Introduce and develop understanding and use of the concept of transferability.

Scales and triads in the left hand

The scales and triads we have learned so far can be played in the left hand as well as in the right.

The notes, and the position of the notes on the keyboard and the stave, remain the same, although you will now appreciate that the fingers are slightly different.

Start by playing the A major scale with your left hand. This will involve the use of the thumb-under technique. In the case of the left hand, it is the reverse of the pattern you have learned with the right hand. Play the ascending scale, starting with the fourth finger instead of the thumb. The descending scale starts with the thumb.

Look at the diagram below, particularly noting the fingering when watching the video clip.

Figure 1. Left hand fingering for an A major scale (Enlarge)

Exercise 1

Next: A major scale – one octave lower