Technique: One-String Scales (Copy)

A ONE-STRING SCALE IS A SCALE PLAYED BY SHIFTING UP AND DOWN A SINGLE STRING.

Each exercise is named by the key of the scale (indicating the sharps and flats to be used) + specifying the string on which the scale will be played.

Because we don’t get to cross strings, this exercise involves more shifting compared to other types of scales! The most common fingering pattern is 12-12-1234 / 4321-21-21, unless you start on an open string. The scales included are in keys used in our TMEA etudes, allowing us to practice some of the shifting patterns we will encounter in the etudes.

Before playing a 1-string scale, play a simpler or more comfortable version to familiarize yourself with the notes! For scales on the C, G, or D strings, play them in first position first. For A string scales, play a lower version to get the notes in your ear.

Here is a tour guide through our 1-string scale page:

• C Major, C String: Measure 1-4

  • Start in 1st position, shift to 3rd position on F, and 5th position on A.

  • Descend similarly- move to 3rd position on G, and 1st position on E.

• C Major, A String: Measure 5-8

  • Start in 2nd position, shift to 4th position on E, and 6th position on G.

  • Descend through 4th position on F, and 2nd position on D.

• G Major, G String: Measures 9-12

  • Start on open G, shift to 3rd position on C, then to 5th position on E. Descend similarly.

  • Optional: leap to 4th position on D, making this a one-shift scale. Fingering: 0123-1234 / 4321-3210.

• G Minor, G String: Measure 13-16

  • Same fingering as G Major, but watch for how accidentals alter hand frames.

• F Major, D String: Measure 17-20

  • Start in 2nd position, shift to 4th position on A, and 6th position on C.

    • This matches the shifting pattern from measures 5-8.

• Bb Major, G String: Measure 21-24

  • Start in 2nd position, shift to 4th position on D, and 6th position on F.

    • This matches the shifting pattern from measures 17-20.

• Bb Major, A String: Measure 25-28

  • Start in flatted 1st position, shift to 3rd position on D, and 5th position on F.

  • Descend through 3rd position on E-flat, and 1st position on C.