The first scale to be learned is the C Major Scale. With no sharps or flats, it is the most common key signature to be found in music. It is also the simplest major scale to learn on the piano, the easiest to memorize, and easiest to play without looking at one's fingers, due to the fact that they are all played on consecutive white keys. The version I have included above is for the right hand. It shows the note names below, and the fingering numbers above, with "1" referring to the thumb. Note where the thumb crosses under the middle finger on the F going up, then where the middle finger crosses over the thumb on the E going down.
This scale exercise should be repeated until it can be played at an even tempo, and without looking at the fingers. I have included a link to a free online metronome in my "Helpful Links" section to the right for practice. Recommended beginning tempo for scales is 88.
