Neighbor Tones

Play a note, go up one, come back, then move on. Builds smooth transitions.

Level:
3 of 6
Hands:
Right hand
Key:
C major
Notes:
12
Range:
C4 to G4
One run:
about 6 seconds at 80 bpm

The notes, in order

12 notes, one at a time.

  1. C4
  2. D4
  3. C4
  4. D4
  5. E4
  6. D4
  7. E4
  8. F4
  9. E4
  10. F4
  11. G4
  12. F4

How to practise it

  1. Pattern: C-D-C, D-E-D, E-F-E, F-G-F
  2. Think of each group of three as one unit
  3. Aim for a flowing, connected sound

The scale behind it

This one is built on the C Major scale: C D E F G A B (no sharps or flats). Its right-hand fingering runs 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, and the scale page has the full diagram if you want to hear the shape on its own first.

How to play it here

Play along on the keys with your mouse, your computer keyboard, a touch screen, or a MIDI keyboard you have plugged in. Every key can show its own name, and the metronome will hold the tempo while you work through the 12 notes.

What it trains

  • legato
  • independence

More dexterity drills

Finger independence and evenness. Dull on purpose, and the fastest way to a cleaner hand.

All piano exercises