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8. 3-4-5 Special

1

One problem area that many keyboard players face is developing strength and dexterity in fingers 4 and 5, so this variation of the five-finger scale exercise gives those fingers more of a focussed workout. Begin by adopting the C major five-finger scale starting position once more, thumb on C, finger 5 on G. 2

Now perform the same five-finger scale exercise but using only fingers 3, 4 and 5. Start by playing E with finger 3, then go smoothly to play F with finger 4, then G with finger 5, then F again and back to E. The goal is to get all three notes down clearly with equal loudness and zero sticky-out thumb and finger 2! 3

Once comfortable with this, bring in the left hand, first alone and then simultaneously with the right. For the left hand, start with finger 5 on C, finger 4 on D and finger 3 on E. Focus on getting the timing spot on with both hands synchronised, and getting finger 4 down without finger 2 pointing at the ceiling.