(33) Fast Chromatic Scales

The chromatic scale consists of semitone steps. The most important consideration for chromatic scales is the fingering, because there are so many ways to finger it. The standard fingering, starting from C, is 1313123131345 for ascending RH, and 1313132131321 for ascending LH for one octave (the top is fingered for a return but is not necessary) and the reverse for descending. This fingering is difficult to play fast because it is composed of the shortest possible parallel sets and therefore contains the maximum number of conjunctions which limit the speed. Its main advantage is simplicity which makes it applicable to practically any chromatic segment, starting from any note, and is the easiest to remember. One variation of this is 1212123121234, which enables a little more speed and legato, and is more comfortable for those with large hands.

The reason why those who never learned TO [thumb over, (30) Thumb Under, Thumb Over, Glissando Motion, Pivoting] can play chromatic scales fast is that they are the easiest to play TO and even those who think that they are using TU are actually using TO for fast play.

Several fingerings using longer parallel sets have been devised in attempts to enable faster play; all of the "accepted" sequences avoid the use of the thumb on a black key. The most commonly used is, starting from E, 123123412312 (Hauer, Czerny, Hanon). One complication with this fingering is that the starting sequence must be changed depending on the starting key in order to maximize velocity. Also, the RH and LH are different; this sequence uses 4 parallel sets. It can be simplified to 3 parallel sets for starting at C, 123412312345. With good TO technique, this scale might be playable, but even with TO, 41 and 14 fingerings are awkward. The restriction to avoid the thumb on a black key limits the choice of fingering and complicates matters because the fingering will depend on the starting note. If we allow thumb on a black key, a good scale is the "4-finger chromatic scale", starting from C:
1234,1234,1234; 1234,1234,12345, 2 octaves RH ascending,
5432,1432,1432; 1432,1432,14321, 2 octaves LH ascending, with the thumb on G# for both hands and three identical parallel sets per octave - the simplest and fastest possible fingering. Reverse to descend. As far as I know, this fingering has not been discussed in the literature because of the thumb on a black key followed by passing over the 4th finger. In addition to speed, the biggest advantage is simplicity; the same fingering is used regardless of starting note (for example, use finger 3 for starting on D) ascending or descending. The fingering is the same for both hands (in reverse) and fingers 1 and 3 are always synchronized except at the ends. A good TO technique and flat finger position will facilitate the difficult 14 or 41 where the thumb is on G#. Try this on the last chromatic run in the Grave of Beethoven's Pathetique and you should notice a marked decline in the number of flubs and a significant increase in speed. Once you learn it for this run, it will work for any other chromatic run because the fingering never changes. In order to develop a smooth run, practice with the beat on every note, every other note, every third note, etc. Staccato practice also helps.

In summary, although most exercises are not helpful, practicing scales, arpeggios and the (4-finger) chromatic scale have a special place in piano technique acquisition. They can be a part of a pianist's daily practice program because they can be used to learn so many fundamental skills.