Piano scales for beginners

If you're learning piano, you've probably heard the same advice over and over again: “Just practise your scales.” And if you're anything like me when I started, that probably made your heart sink a little.

Scales? Really?

But here’s the thing I eventually realised: practising scales is one of the quickest ways to feel more in control at the piano. Your hands get stronger, your fingers know where they’re going, and music starts to make more sense. It doesn’t have to be boring — and it doesn’t have to take hours a day.

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to what piano scales are, why they’re useful, and how to start learning them the smart way.