Getting to Grips with Octaves

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Technical Training for Octaves (2)

We are going to start with C major, for reasons that will become obvious later on. If we are thinking of octaves as two parallel lines, then we might practise some scales with just the thumb, and then with just the pinky before we play in octaves. Thumb When playing the scale with the thumb alone, play faster and lighter. Use the tip of the thumb, by the nail, and feel the movement originating at the base of the thumb, where it joins the wrist (the wrist itself remains still). Small rotary movements are fine, and to be encouraged. The...

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