On this page you can learn the G major violin scale. Build up your understanding in different ways by using the video to link your aural and visual memories, the fingering guide to link your intellectual and physical memories, and the 'visual grid' to link the physical, visual and intellectual memories.
As you start to get familiar with the patterns and start to rely more and more on your aural senses, your intellectual/physical knowledge of the scale will begin to become 'automatic'. Then, you can start to use the sheet music as a quick visual reference for which notes you need to play.
VIDEO GUIDE:
how to play a G major scale
Here is a video guide explaining how to play the G major scale:
FINGERING GUIDE:
which fingers to use
The symbols below will show you which fingers you need to use, so that you can play the scale without needing to read the sheet music.
e.g. - 'E1' = 1st finger on the E string, 'D3' = 3rd finger on the D string
Here is the one octave scale, which uses just the G and D strings:
Going up:
G [wide] G1 [wide] G2 [close] G3 [wide*]
D [wide] D1 [wide] D2 [close] D3
Coming down:
D3 [close] D2 [wide] D1 [close] D [wide*]
G3 [close] G2 [wide] G1 [close] G
*if you prefer, you can use a 4th finger instead of an open D string on both the way up and the way down. The interval still sounds 'wide' (known as a 'tone'), whichever way you choose.
Here is the two octave G major scale, which uses all the strings of the violin:
Going up:
G [wide] G1 [wide] G2 [close] G3 [wide]
D [wide] D1 [wide] D2 [close] D3 [wide]
A [wide] A1 [close] A2 [wide] A3 [wide]
E [wide] E1 [close] E2
Coming down:
E2 [close] E1 [wide] E [wide]
A3 [wide] A2 [close] A1 [wide] A [wide]
D3 [close] D2 [wide] D1 [wide] D [wide]
G3 [close] G2 [wide] G1 [wide] G
VISUAL GRID:
where to put your fingers
Here is a visual 'grid' showing where to place the fingers on the fingerboard:
SHEET MUSIC:
notation to remind you which notes to play
Here is the sheet music notation for a two octave G major scale:
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Level up your learning! Join ViolinSchool's Live Classes every Thursday and Saturday! Click here for the live class schedule, upcoming program, and in-person events!
Enrol Today on one of our Violin Course levels, or start with the Fundamentals!
Just want the resources? Join with a monthly membership for instant access!
Find out more:
Violin Fundamentals (Starter and Restarter)
Violin Courses (Beginner to Intermediate)
Technique & Repertoire (Intermediate to Advanced)
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