Getting all 12 Major keys on the violin

Moving on, so this is probably the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Now we can begin getting our keys on the violin and the finger patterns for each key. For Beginners, we will be working on the keys G, Ab, A, Bb, B & C In two (2) octaves. For intermediate players we would be working on the following keys in 2 octaves C#, D, Eb, E, F & F# (These keys involves shifting to other positions eg 2nd, 3rd position). Advance players on the other hand, would work on playing the major scales on all the keys(3 octaves). Shall we begin?

Guide

N.B notice how the notes are placed in between the vertical lines of the sheet to indicate that each note is a semitone apart from the next. You will also notice that the notes G, D, A, E are not on horizontal line(representing the strings), this is because they are *open strings but are still Semitones apart from the first notes on the strings (Ab, Eb, Bb & F).

* Open strings are the 1st notes on each string carrying the names of the strings, the notes when no finger is being placed on the string.

Major scale on the key of G

🕵N.B notice that between G & A is a tone and so there is a gap in-between them to represent Ab (which is not in the key of G so we skip it). This indicates you will leave a gap between your fingers while playing. The same applies to (A & B, C & D, D & E and E & F#). (B & C and F# & G) on the otherhand are semitones, and so there shouldn’t be any gap in-between your fingers when playing these notes.
🕵 The numbers in the first diagram indicate the finger placement
0= Open strings
1= 1st finger
2= 2nd finger
3= 3rd finger
4= 4th finger
You will also notice that the 2nd finger changes its position when playing the first two strings (G & D) and the last two strings (A & E). Do ensure you adjust your fingers backward to the 1st finger on the last two strings so as to play in tune.
It is important to note that the violin is a fretless instrument and as such your fingers have to be placed on the right spot, else it produces a sound that makes you frown just about immediately. You can experiment with this and ask someone beside you if you did frown when you played a wrong note. ...lol

Major scale in the key of Ab

Major scale in the key of A

Major scale in Bb

Major scale in the key of B

Pattern 1. Pattern 2.

🕵 : The reason the key of B has two methods(pattern) as to how you can play it is for the sake of convenience, while some might prefer the first fingering pattern, others might prefer the second. So it’s up to you to choose which of the patterns works well with you.

Major scale on the key of C

Continue in next article

Soul Music Violin Academy