No. 1 begins on Bb. Learn to name the intervals (notes of this scale) viz: Bb-C-D-Eb-F-G-A-and Bb. Notice the order of the flats in the signature. They are on B and E.

This makes the scale correct without any further change and the signature must be two flats.

Begin No. 2 on Db and you will find that 5 notes must be lowered a half tone to make the succession of sounds or notes the same as in the scale of C, namely: half tones between 3rd and 4th, also between 7th and 8th degrees. Name this scale viz: Db-Eb-F-Gb-Ab-Bb-C- and Db.

Observe the order in which they are printed Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb

The practice of this scale is very important because it is played in the half position one hand holding the violin at that n ut. The 4th finger plays the notes Db and Ab.

You will not get many special studies for this position. You must therefore play this scale frequently because the fingers play different notes than in the 1st position.

No. 3 is the minor scale with the same signature as Bb (major) generally called the relative minor. The 7th degree, F must be raised otherwise there would be no half step from the 7th to the 8th note of the scale. Learn to name this scale viz: G-A-Bb-C-D-Eb-F#-G.

The line over the notes Eb and F# merely attract your attention to the step of a tone and a half.

The study is in the key of Eb.

Play the scale first. Then only every n ote first with a different movement of the bow. Name this scale before you begin to play it: thus Eb-F-G-Ab-Bb-C-D-Eb.

When you play every note correctly, then observe the bowing marks.

Play only 2 measures at first; in short divide all new work into fractions.

It is more difficult to play in flats and you should therefore play such studies often and carefully.

N.B. When writing always mention instrument. Confine your questions to ONE LESSON ONLY. Give name of lesson, number of staff, number of measure, and be brief. Give full name and address.

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© 2003 R. Fingerson
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