A VERY DETAILED GUIDE TO MAJOR SCALES FOR BEGINNING OBOE STUDENTS
Ashley Rollins
Private lessons with a qualified oboe specialist are always highly recommended. Many fine oboists disagree on minute points of technique, and students and band directors should prioritize the opinions of their own oboe teachers on any points of disagreement.
General scale goals:
- Play smoothly, with continuous strong air support. Keep the core engaged in all ranges.
- Keep all fingers curved and on the fingertips
- Move fingers independently, keeping them close and curved. Try not to let a finger move other fingers or change the hand angle.
- When practicing fingering the scales, name the notes as they're named in the scale, even if you're more used to another name for the same fingering. Scales always move alphabetically, so while naming the notes correctly can be tricky the first time you see an A# or a Cb, it will work better for you in the long run.
- As you get comfortable with scales, work to make a phrase out of them, crescendoing slightly toward the higher notes like a singer might.
Contents:
· Ab scale
· A scale
You will find recommended
fingerings, potential pitfalls, and advice for handling new finger skills for
each scale below. As many of these skills occur in multiple scales, they will
be highlighted the first time they appear.
C scale one octave
- A good first scale due to the range - no upper octave notes.
- Uses RIGHT F.
- SKILLS:
- C pinky
- Curved pinky. Try not to straighten the pinky when it's off the key.
- Pinky should move without affecting the D finger or the hand angle.
- If there are questions about the quality of the pinky movement, try drilling low C - D.
- 6th finger facility with Right F key and D key positions
- Third finger should move during the E in a relaxed way to hover above the key it'll need next. Avoid last-second tense and/or sliding movements.
- Drilling |: D - E - right F - E :| is recommended.
Bb scale one octave (low)
- If students have an oboe with a functional low Bb, the lower octave of the Bb scale makes a good second scale, due to the range - no upper octave notes.
- Use LEFT F (If you have an oboe with no left F key, use forked F with no pinky. This is unlikely on an oboe with low Bb.)
- SKILLS:
- Low Bb
- It's essential to curve the pinky a lot to hit the low Bb key near the outside half of the key without raising the hand angle (changing the hand angle can cause students to slip of the hole in the G key).
- Some students may forget to include the low C pinky.
- Any biting/pinching in the embouchure or tension in the upper body can prevent low Bb from speaking. Students should aim to support without collapsing inwards as well.
- Drilling low C - low Bb is recommended, with some focus on the curve of the pinky.
- C pinky
- Curved pinky. Try not to straighten the pinky when it's off the key.
- Pinky should move without affecting the D finger or the hand angle.
- If there are questions about the quality of the pinky movement, try drilling low C - D.
- Eb pinky
- Curved pinky. Try not to straighten the pinky when it's off the key.
- Pinky should move without affecting the D finger or the hand angle.
- If there are questions about the quality of the pinky movement, try drilling low Eb - D.
- Pinky facility with both Eb and C pinky positions
- Pinky should move during the D in a relaxed way to hover above the key it'll need next. Avoid last-second tense and/or sliding movements.
- Drilling |: C - D - Eb - D :| is recommended.
- Left F
- Drilling Eb - Left F and G - left F is recommended.
- Be sure students do not leave the D key down on left F.
- Students who feel they cannot reach left F likely have their left hand angled too high.
- Pinky facility with both low Bb and left F positions
- Practice hitting each key with the pinky, then the other, back and forth. Notice that the amount of curve in the pinky will need to change significantly. Move the pinky, not the hand.
D scale one octave
- A good third or possibly second scale due to the range - the only octave transition required is the half hole.
- SKILLS:
- Half hole
- It's essential that the finger opens and closes the half hole cleanly and on time, without ever lifting off the key.
- A rocking/pivoting motion is recommended. Some oboists slide, but students who slide down too far when opening may find that they can't get back up in time without lifting the finger up. This rocking/pivoting motion is helped by focusing on the knuckle, moving it closer to and further away from the other keys.
- Aim to move only the first finger, not the whole hand, the wrist, or other fingers.
- Sometimes a tense hand impedes the half hole motion, especially tension in the left thumb or in the webbing between that thumb and the first finger. Students who seem to be gripping the oboe firmly with their left thumb may benefit from spending some time playing with the thumb instead floating very near the oboe.
- Students can be taught to practice the half hole motion with their hands on their arms, so they can build that unusually motor skill throughout the day.
- Drilling slurred low D - half hole D is recommended, followed by drills combining various lower notes with half holed notes.
- B to half hole C#
- Moving the half hole and moving the left hand fingers at the same time is its own skill and will need work. (Recommended drills: low C# - half hole C#, A - half hole D, B - half hole D, then B - half hole C#)
- Try to avoid turning the half hole pivot into a hand tilt, but keep the rocking movement in just the first finger.
- The right hand fingers and C# pinky need to be close to their keys and preparing for C# during the B.
- C# pinky
- Pinky should be curved and should be ready above the correct key before it's needed.
- Pinky should move without affecting the D finger or the hand angle.
- If the right hand is angled too high, students may struggle to reach the pinky. The right thumb position is relevant - it shouldn't be quite flat to the oboe, but at a natural angle that should be closer to flat to the thumbrest (the same angle the thumb is at if the hand is held in a curved position away from the oboe), or it will force the angle too high.
Eb scale one octave
- A good early half hole scale
- Uses LEFT F. (If you have an oboe with no left F key, use forked F with no pinky).
- SKILLS:
- Eb pinky
- Curved pinky. Try not to straighten the pinky when it's off the key.
- Pinky should move without affecting the D finger or the hand angle.
- If there are questions about the quality of the pinky movement, try drilling low Eb - D.
- Left F
- Drilling Eb - Left F and G - left F is recommended.
- Be sure students do not leave the D key down on left F.
- Students who feel they cannot reach left F likely have their left hand angled too high.
- Ab pinky
- Try to keep some curve in the pinky and avoid raising the hand angle simply because this key is higher.
- Pinky facility with left F and Ab positions.
- Try to avoid or minimize movement in the hand, arm, or wrist, keeping the movement in just the pinky.
- Pinky should move during the G in a relaxed way to hover above the key it'll need next. Avoid last-second tense and/or sliding movements.
- Drilling |: left F - G - Ab - G :| is recommended. You can also do non-playing drills with touching each pinky key, back and forth.
- Half hole
- It's essential that the finger opens and closes the half hole cleanly and on time, without ever lifting off the key.
- A rocking/pivoting motion is recommended. Some oboists slide, but students who slide down too far when opening may find that they can't get back up in time without lifting the finger up. This rocking/pivoting motion is helped by focusing on the knuckle, moving it closer to and further away from the other keys.
- Aim to move only the first finger, not the whole hand, the wrist, or other fingers.
- Sometimes a tense hand impedes the half hole motion, especially tension in the left thumb or in the webbing between that thumb and the first finger. Students who seem to be gripping the oboe firmly with their left thumb may benefit from spending some time playing with the thumb instead floating very near the oboe.
- Students can be taught to practice the half hole motion with their hands on their arms, so they can build that unusually motor skill throughout the day.
- Drilling slurred low Eb - half hole Eb is recommended, followed by drills combining various lower notes with half holed notes.
- C to half hole D
- Moving the half hole and moving the left hand fingers at the same time is its own skill and will need work. (Recommended drills: A-D, B-D, then C-D).
- Try to avoid turning the half hole pivot into a hand tilt, but keep the rocking movement in just the first finger.
Db scale one octave
- A decent early half hole scale, though alternate fingerings add some difficulty
- Uses LEFT Eb and FORKED F. (No pinky on forked F)
- SKILLS:
- Db pinky
- Curved pinky. Try not to straighten the pinky when it's off the key.
- Pinky should move without affecting the D finger or the hand angle.
- If there are questions about the quality of the pinky movement, try drilling low Db - low D.
- Left Eb
- If the left hand is angled too high or the G finger has been too straight, this will be especially challenging.
- Squeaks on left Eb are usually caused by the G finger slipping off its hole, even minutely.
- Try to move the pinky without any significant movement of the hand, wrist, or arm.
- Drill Db - left Eb and left Eb - forked F lots, then |: Db - left Eb - forked F - left Eb :|
- Forked F
- No pinky on forked F, especially if your oboe has a forked F resonance key.
- Recommended drills: D - forked F, left Eb - forked F, forked F - Gb (the last one is easy, but that can trip students up after the previous complex movements.)
- Pinky facility with left Eb and Ab positions.
- Try to avoid or minimize movement in the hand, arm, or wrist, keeping the movement in just the pinky.
- Pinky should move during the intervening notes in a relaxed way to hover above the key it'll need next. Avoid last-second tense and/or sliding movements.
- Drilling |: left Eb - G - Ab - G :| and |: left Eb - forked F - G - Ab - G - forked F :|is recommended. You can also do non-playing drills with touching each pinky key, back and forth.
- Half hole
- It's essential that the finger opens and closes the half hole cleanly and on time, without ever lifting off the key.
- A rocking/pivoting motion is recommended. Some oboists slide, but students who slide down too far when opening may find that they can't get back up in time without lifting the finger up. This rocking/pivoting motion is helped by focusing on the knuckle, moving it closer to and further away from the other keys.
- Aim to move only the first finger, not the whole hand, the wrist, or other fingers.
- Sometimes a tense hand impedes the half hole motion, especially tension in the left thumb or in the webbing between that thumb and the first finger. Students who seem to be gripping the oboe firmly with their left thumb may benefit from spending some time playing with the thumb instead floating very near the oboe.
- Students can be taught to practice the half hole motion with their hands on their arms, so they can build that unusually motor skill throughout the day.
- Drilling slurred low Db - half hole Db is recommended, followed by drills combining various lower notes with half holed notes.
- C to half hole Db
- Moving the half hole and moving the left hand fingers at the same time is its own skill and will need work. (Recommended drills: A - half hole Db, B - half hole Db, then C - half hole Db)
- Try to avoid turning the half hole pivot into a hand tilt, but keep the rocking movement in just the first finger.
- The right hand fingers and Db pinky need to be close to their keys and preparing for Db during the C.
G scale one octave
- A good early first octave key scale - this and F are the two easiest scales to play with the range increasing to the first octave key, and G is slightly easier on oboe than F.
- SKILLS:
- Half hole
- See half hole notes in the D scale.
- C to half hole D
- See notes in the Eb scale.
- First octave key
- There's no need to hit the octave key with any particular part of the thumb, so use the part that's naturally facing the rest of your fingers when your hand is in a relaxed, curved position. Notice that this is NOT, for most people, the flat part of the thumb.
- Avoid collapsing either thumb knuckle. Collapsing these knuckles tends to come with tension in the webbing between the thumb and left first finger, and tension here can interfere with the half hole movement.
- Remember that this thumb is not helping you hold up the oboe, and it will be easier to use the first octave key cleanly if you're willing to have the thumb off the oboe and floating near the first octave key a little before you have to hit the key.
- If you have a third octave key (an additional back octave key), be sure to hit the first octave key instead. It will be the lower of the two. If you have only a first octave key and not a third, aim for the bottom part of the key so you'll be better prepared when you do.
- Drilling first octave key notes (G - high G, F# - high F#, E - high E) is recommended to gain facility with the thumb movement before combining it with the half hole and other concerns, and also to get used to the air demands of these higher notes. If the high notes are reluctant to speak, the air is likely to weak and slow; if the low notes are reluctant to speak, the embouchure is likely too pinched.
- Higher notes require very fast air, and it often helps to think of aiming it higher - think of aiming up at the top of a wall, not at your oboe. Raising the back of the tongue may also help. Try not to rely on a "biting" embouchure - the teeth should not be exerting noticeable pressure on the reed, even with lips between.
- Half hole D - octave key E
- Notice that the transition from the half hole to the first octave key tracks with the SIXTH finger. This is true for everything except forked F - when the sixth finger is down (C#, D, Eb), half hole; when the sixth finger is up (E, F, F#, G, Ab), use the first octave key. (You may also notice that all first octave key notes do have the third finger down. Later, we'll use the second octave key for notes without the third finger).
- It's important to coordinate the thumb and the rocking of the first finger. Drilling low E - half hole D followed by octave key E - half hole D is recommended.
F scale one octave
- A good early first octave key scale - this and G are the two easiest scales to play with the range increasing to the first octave key, but G is slightly easier on oboe than F.
- Uses RIGHT F.
- SKILLS:
- Half hole
- See half hole notes in the D scale.
- C to half hole D
- First octave key
- There's no need to hit the octave key with any particular part of the thumb, so use the part that's naturally facing the rest of your fingers when your hand is in a relaxed, curved position. Notice that this is NOT, for most people, the flat part of the thumb.
- Avoid collapsing either thumb knuckle. Collapsing these knuckles tends to come with tension in the webbing between the thumb and left first finger, and tension here can interfere with the half hole movement.
- Remember that this thumb is not helping you hold up the oboe, and it will be easier to use the first octave key cleanly if you're willing to have the thumb off the oboe and floating near the first octave key a little before you have to hit the key.
- If you have a third octave key (an additional back octave key), be sure to hit the first octave key instead. It will be the lower of the two. If you have only a first octave key and not a third, aim for the bottom part of the key so you'll be better prepared when you do.
- Drilling first octave key notes (G - high G, F# - high F#, E - high E) is recommended to gain facility with the thumb movement before combining it with the half hole and other concerns, and also to get used to the air demands of these higher notes. If the high notes are reluctant to speak, the air is likely to weak and slow; if the low notes are reluctant to speak, the embouchure is likely too pinched.
- Higher notes require very fast air, and it often helps to think of aiming it higher - think of aiming up at the top of a wall, not at your oboe. Raising the back of the tongue may also help. Try not to rely on a "biting" embouchure - the teeth should not be exerting noticeable pressure on the reed, even with lips between.
- Half hole D - octave key E
- Notice that the transition from the half hole to the first octave key tracks with the SIXTH finger. This is true for everything except forked F - when the sixth finger is down (C#, D, Eb), half hole; when the sixth finger is up (E, F, F#, G, Ab), use the first octave key. (You may also notice that all first octave key notes do have the third finger down. Later, we'll use the second octave key for notes without the third finger).
- It's important to coordinate the thumb and the rocking of the first finger. Drilling low E - half hole D followed by octave key E - half hole D is recommended.
- 6th finger facility with Right F key and D key positions, with half hole and octave transitions
- Third finger should move during the E in a relaxed way to hover above the key it'll need next. Avoid last-second tense and/or sliding movements.
- In this octave, be sure to always half hole the D and always use the octave key on E and F. Be sure not to leave the octave key on D.
- Drilling |: D-E-right F-E :| in this higher octave is recommended.
Ab scale one octave
- This scale, the Gb scale, and the E scale all work best as the second round of first octave range scales, after the easier F and G.
- Uses LEFT Eb and FORKED F. (no pinky on forked F)
- SKILLS:
- Half hole left Eb
- Remember that the G finger is usually the cause of squeaks.
- Students often struggle to half hole this note. Drill low left Eb - half hole left Eb, keeping the half hole movement in the first finger and not the entire hand.
- Drill half hole Db - half hole left Eb, drill left Eb - forked F lots, then |: half hole Db - left Eb - forked F - left Eb :|
- Octave key forked F
- No pinky on forked F, especially if your oboe has a forked F resonance key.
- Half hole left Eb to octave key forked F
- This adds the half hole to first octave transition to the already tricky left Eb - forked F combo. Remember there is no pinky on forked F.
- First, drill low forked F - half hole left Eb. Then, drill octave key forked F - half hole left Eb. Finally, drill |: half hole Db - half hole left Eb - octave forked F - half hole Eb :|.
- Pinky facility with left Eb and Ab positions.
- Half hole
- C to half hole Db
- First octave key
- See additional notes in the F or G scales.
- Drilling first octave key notes (Ab - high Ab, F# - high F#, E - high E) is recommended to gain facility with the thumb movement before combining it with the half hole and other concerns, and also to get used to the air demands of these higher notes. If the high notes are reluctant to speak, the air is likely to weak and slow; if the low notes are reluctant to speak, the embouchure is likely too pinched.
- Higher notes require very fast air, and it often helps to think of aiming it higher - think of aiming up at the top of a wall, not at your oboe. Raising the back of the tongue may also help. Try not to rely on a "biting" embouchure - the teeth should not be exerting noticeable pressure on the reed, even with lips between.
- High Ab can be especially picky about fast air. You can also push the reed into the lower lip a little, but air should be your primary tool.
Gb scale one octave
- This scale, the Ab scale, and the E scale all work best as the second round of first octave range scales, after the easier F and G.
- Uses LEFT Eb and FORKED F. (no pinky on forked F)
- SKILLS:
- Half hole left Eb
- Remember that the G finger is usually the cause of squeaks.
- Students often struggle to half hole this note. Drill low left Eb - half hole left Eb, keeping the half hole movement in the first finger and not the entire hand.
- Drill half hole Db - half hole left Eb, drill left Eb - forked F lots, then |: half hole Db - left Eb - forked F - left Eb :|
- Octave key forked F
- No pinky on forked F, especially if your oboe has a forked F resonance key.
- Half hole left Eb to octave key forked F
- This adds the half hole to first octave transition to the already tricky left Eb - forked F combo. Remember there is no pinky on forked F.
- First, drill low forked F - half hole left Eb. Then, drill octave key forked F - half hole left Eb. Finally, drill |: half hole Db - half hole left Eb - octave forked F - half hole Eb :|.
- Pinky facility with left Eb and Ab positions.
- Half hole
- Cb to half hole Db
- First octave key
- See notes in the F or G scale.
E scale one octave
- This scale, the Ab scale, and the Gb scale all work best as the second round of first octave range scales, after the easier F and G.
- Uses LEFT D#.
- SKILLS:
- Half hole left D#
- Remember that the G finger is usually the cause of squeaks.
- Students often struggle to half hole this note. Drill low left D# - half hole left D#, keeping the half hole movement in the first finger and not the entire hand.
- Half hole left D# to octave key E
- This adds the half hole to first octave transition to the left D# - octave E combo.
- First, drill low E - half hole left D#. Then, drill octave key E - half hole left D#. Finally, drill |: half hole C# - half hole left D# - octave E - half hole left D# :|.
- Be extra careful with accuracy on this when descending the scale.
- Pinky facility with left D# and G# positions.
- Try to avoid or minimize movement in the hand, arm, or wrist, keeping the movement in just the pinky.
- Pinky should move during the intervening notes in a relaxed way to hover above the key it'll need next. Avoid last-second tense and/or sliding movements.
- Half hole
- B to half hole C#
- First octave key
- See notes in the F or G scale.
Bb scale higher octave
- This scale or the C higher octave scale are likely the best options to introduce the second octave key scales, as band students will be very familiar with the key, and students who had a low Bb key may already have played the lower octave.
- Uses LEFT F
- If students have a low Bb, then after getting comfortable with the higher octave scale by itself, they can make this a two octave scale.
- SKILLS:
- Second octave key
- I recommend a small tilt/drop of the wrist and/or forearm to get the first finger to hit the second octave key. Students should take care that it does not move too similarly to the half hole (avoid tilting the first finger up towards the face very much), as that habit can lead to accidental half hole leaks on surrounding notes. It can be helpful to notice that the second octave key reaches low enough that it's already likely just under the middle of their first finger, and will not require them to reach up much.
- These notes require fast air aimed high.
- Drill low A - second octave key A, focusing on the movement in the forearm and being sure not to accidentally fall off the half hole.
- High G to high A
- This combines the first and second octave key movements
- Students may leave the thumb down on the high A, assuming an in-adjustment semi-automatic oboe (almost all are, even student instruments). This is the only time on the oboe octave mechanisms may be combined without affecting the sound. Some passages, including this scale, are easier if the thumb stays down, while others are far easier if it doesn't, so practicing both options is recommended.
- First, drill low G - second octave A. Notice that the second octave transition maps to the third finger in the way that the first octave/half hole transition maps to the sixth. Then, drill octave key G - second octave A with the thumb leaving the octave key on the A's.. Then, drill octave key G - second octave A with the thumb staying down on the A's. Finally, drill |: first octave G - second octave A - second octave Bb - second octave A :| keeping the thumb down on second octave notes, but being sure to consistently get off the second octave key on the G's.
- Half hole
- C to half hole D
- Half hole Eb to octave key left F
- First octave key
- Avoid curling, turning, or tensing the thumb. Keep it in a natural (usually fairly straight) and relaxed position.
C scale higher octave
- This scale or the Bb higher octave scale are likely the best options to introduce the second octave key scales, as students will already have played the lower octave.
- Uses RIGHT F
- After getting comfortable with the higher octave scale by itself, students can make this a two octave scale.
- SKILLS:
- Second octave key
- I recommend a small tilt/drop of the wrist and/or forearm to get the first finger to hit the second octave key. Students should take care that it does not move too similarly to the half hole (avoid tilting the first finger up towards the face very much), as that habit can lead to accidental half hole leaks on surrounding notes. It can be helpful to notice that the second octave key reaches low enough that it's already likely just under the middle of their first finger, and will not require them to reach up much.
- These notes require fast air aimed high.
- Drill low A - second octave key A, focusing on the movement in the forearm and being sure not to accidentally fall off the half hole.
- High G to high A
- This combines the first and second octave key movements
- Students may leave the thumb down on the high A, assuming an in-adjustment semi-automatic oboe (almost all are, even student instruments). This is the only time on the oboe octave mechanisms may be combined without affecting the sound. Some passages, including this scale, are easier if the thumb stays down, while others are far easier if it doesn't, so practicing both options is recommended.
- First, drill low G - second octave A. Notice that the second octave transition maps to the third finger in the way that the first octave/half hole transition maps to the sixth. Then, drill octave key G - second octave A with the thumb leaving the octave key on the A's.. Then, drill octave key G - second octave A with the thumb staying down on the A's. Finally, drill |: first octave G - second octave A - second octave B - second octave C - second octave B - second octave A :| keeping the thumb down on second octave notes, but being sure to consistently get off the second octave key on the G's.
- Half hole
- C to half hole D
- Half hole E to octave key E
- First octave key
- Avoid curling, turning, or tensing the thumb. Keep it in a natural (usually fairly straight) and relaxed position.
- Sixth finger facility with both right F and D positions.
A scale
- Contrary to the fears of many band students, this is actually quite an easy scale for oboe fingers, once they are comfortable with the second octave key
- SKILLS:
- Second octave key
- I recommend a small tilt/drop of the wrist and/or forearm to get the first finger to hit the second octave key. Students should take care that it does not move too similarly to the half hole (avoid tilting the first finger up towards the face very much), as that habit can lead to accidental half hole leaks on surrounding notes. It can be helpful to notice that the second octave key reaches low enough that it's already likely just under the middle of their first finger, and will not require them to reach up much.
- These notes require fast air aimed high.
- Drill low A - second octave key A, focusing on the movement in the forearm and being sure not to accidentally fall off the half hole.
- High G# to high A
- This combines the first and second octave key movements, and the G# pinky.
- Students may leave the thumb down on the high A, assuming an in-adjustment semi-automatic oboe (almost all are, even student instruments). This is the only time on the oboe octave mechanisms may be combined without affecting the sound. Some passages, including this scale, are easier if the thumb stays down, while others are far easier if it doesn't, so practicing both options is recommended.
- First, drill low G# - second octave A. Notice that the second octave transition still maps to the third finger in the way that the first octave/half hole transition maps to the sixth. Then, drill octave key G# - second octave A with the thumb leaving the octave key on the A's.. Then, drill octave key G# - second octave A with the thumb staying down on the A's.
- Remember that high G# is a FIRST octave key note, not a second. Students often get mixed up on this point.
- Half hole
- B to half hole C#
- Half hole D to octave key E
- First octave key
- Avoid curling, turning, or tensing the thumb. Keep it in a natural (usually fairly straight) and relaxed position.
- G# pinky
B scale higher octave
- The worst scale on the oboe, but really only because of the lower octave. The higher octave is fine, though left D# warrants some attention.
- Uses LEFT D#
- SKILLS:
- Second octave key
- I recommend a small tilt/drop of the wrist and/or forearm to get the first finger to hit the second octave key. Students should take care that it does not move too similarly to the half hole (avoid tilting the first finger up towards the face very much), as that habit can lead to accidental half hole leaks on surrounding notes. It can be helpful to notice that the second octave key reaches low enough that it's already likely just under the middle of their first finger, and will not require them to reach up much.
- These notes require fast air aimed high.
- Drill low A - second octave key A, focusing on the movement in the forearm and being sure not to accidentally fall off the half hole.
- High G# to high A#
- This combines the first and second octave key movements, and the G# pinky.
- Students may leave the thumb down on the high A#, assuming an in-adjustment semi-automatic oboe (almost all are, even student instruments). This is the only time on the oboe octave mechanisms may be combined without affecting the sound. Some passages, including this scale, are easier if the thumb stays down, while others are far easier if it doesn't, so practicing both options is recommended.
- First, drill low G# - second octave A#. Notice that the second octave transition still maps to the third finger in the way that the first octave/half hole transition maps to the sixth. Then, drill octave key G# - second octave A# with the thumb leaving the octave key on the A#'s.. Then, drill octave key G# - second octave A# with the thumb staying down on the A#'s.
- Remember that high G# is a FIRST octave key note, not a second. Students often get mixed up on this point.
- Looking at a keyboard can help with understanding of the A# enharmonic (it's the same as Bb, but do name it A# in this scale).
- Half hole
- B to half hole C#
- Half hole left D#
- Be extra careful of accuracy with this when descending the scale.
- Half hole left D# to octave key E
- Pinky facility with both G# and left D# positions
- First octave key
- Avoid curling, turning, or tensing the thumb. Keep it in a natural (usually fairly straight) and relaxed position.
B scale lower octave
- The worst scale on the oboe, at least until we go above high C. Possibly even then.
- After getting comfortable with the lower octave scale by itself, students can make this a two octave scale.
- Uses LEFT D# and ALTERNATE LOW B if your oboe has the articulated C# mechanism (If your oboe doesn't, you can use regular low B and tilt the pinky.
- SKILLS:
- Alternate low B
- First, be sure students understand regular low B (low C plus the low B pinky - the low B pinky is the second lowest outside left pinky key). Drill low C - low B.
- Alternate low B is the low C# plus the low B pinky. Drill low C# - low B.
- This will require your oboe to have an articulated C# that is in adjustment - if the key that moves when you hit the C# key has a complex mechanism similar to the key that moves when you hit the Eb key, you have this; if the key that moves when you hit C# is simply one key by itself, you don't. If the adjustment is out, the screw on top of the key that moves when you hit C# can be tightened slightly, but overtightening will cause significant low B and Bb response difficulties with any fingering.
- If your oboe does not have an alternate low B, you will need to use the regular low B, and use the inside of the first knuckle of the pinky for the C key so you can tilt the pinky to catch the C# key with the tip for the following note, C# (there's no need to get all the way off the C key for C#; if you have both keys down, C# will sound). Some oboists slide instead, but I find the tilt more efficient in the long run. Be sure not to let the D finger slip off the D finger.
- Pinky facility with the low B and D# (and G#) positions
- First, practice hitting the B key and the left D# key without playing, picking the pinky up between. Hit each key with the tip of the pinky. You'll need a far more dramatic curve for the low B key than for the D# key. When you get comfortable doing this with the B and left D# keys, add the G# key.
- Drill |: low B - C# - left D# - C# :| several times until it's consistently clean. Be careful not to let the G finger slip off its hole while the pinky moves.
D scale higher octave
- Probably the easiest scale to start expanding above high C with, though an argument could be made for Db.
- After getting comfortable with the higher octave scale by itself, students can make this a two octave scale.
- SKILLS:
- High C#
- 2 3 4 C pinky
- Notice that this is similar to low F# - this fingering relies on jumping the harmonic series at the 12th (5th plus on octave). Notice there are no octave keys on this note.
- If this note is significantly less in tune than high D, there's an adjustment screw for that high up on the top joint. Moving it should be left to a teacher.
- High D
- hh 2 3 C pinky
- Notice that this is similar to low G - this fingering relies on jumping the harmonic series at the 12th (5th plus on octave). Notice there are no octave keys on this note.
- Some oboists add the 5th finger to this note. Assuming your oboe is in adjustment, the C pinky already puts this key down, so the only addition adding the finger should give you is the covering of its tiny hole. This can drop the pitch very slightly on a note that does tend to run a bit sharp, but is not recommended as part of the typical fingering, as it's far more awkward and usually offers very little benefit. It can be helpful if you encounter a long high D or one where the intonation is struggling in a piece of music later, though.
- If the C pinky does not successfully put down the E key, the screw on the C pinky needs to be tightened slightly. Overtightening will lead to response issues on low C# and below. Moving any adjustment screws is best left to a teacher.
- Drill high C# - high D. Notice that only the first fingers on each hand move.
- High B to high C#
- Drill high B - high C#. Be aware of whether you plan to have the thumb still down on high B or whether you'll have removed it earlier, and finger the high B accordingly when practicing this transition. Remember there are no octave keys of any kind on high C#. This does involve shifting the balance of the oboe somewhat between the first and second left fingers, but that's usually simple enough to do.
- Drill |: high B - high C# - high D - high C# :| several times until it's consistently clean. Be sure there are no octave keys on high C# or D. Be sure the half hole is NOT down on high C#, but is on D.
- Half hole middle D to first octave key E
Db scale higher octave
- The left Eb's and forked F's add some challenge, but there's only one of the new above-C notes.
- Uses LEFT Eb and FORKED F (no pinky on forked F).
- After getting comfortable with the higher octave scale by itself, students can make this a two octave scale.
- SKILLS:
- High Db
- 2 3 4 C pinky
- Notice that this is similar to low F# - this fingering relies on jumping the harmonic series at the 12th (5th plus on octave). Notice there are NO octave keys on this note, and NO half hole.
- High C to high Db
- Drill high C - high Db. Be aware of whether you plan to have the thumb still down on high C or whether you'll have removed it earlier, and finger the high C accordingly when practicing this transition. Remember there are no octave keys of any kind on high Db. This does involve shifting the balance of the oboe somewhat between the first and second left fingers, but that's usually simple enough to do.
- Db, left Eb, forked F
- Half hole left Eb can be tricky, especially on the way down the scale. You can work on it in the same ways you did in the Ab scale.
- Be sure to half hole Db and left Eb and to use the first octave key on forked F (no pinky on forked F)
- Left pinky facility with Ab and left Eb positions
- Right pinky facility with C and Db positions
- Be sure to use the C pinky, not the Db pinky, on high Db.
Eb scale higher octave
- The high Eb is a significant extra challenge, so save this scale for last
- Uses Left F.
- After getting comfortable with the higher octave scale by itself, students can make this a two octave scale.
- SKILLS:
- High Eb
- hh 2 3 (B pinky) 5 6
- This note unfortunately does not obviously resemble any other notes on the oboe. It will take extra attention to memorize it exactly. Notice that the pinky key is a B pinky key, not an Eb pinky key.
- This note requires EXTREMELY fast air. Raise the back of the tongue
- High D
- hh 2 3 C pinky
- Drill high C - high D. Be aware of whether you plan to have the thumb still down on high C or whether you'll have removed it earlier, and finger the high B accordingly when practicing this transition. Remember there are no octave keys of any kind on high D
- High D to high Eb
- Drill high D - high Eb. Notice that on the left hand only the pinky moves, while the right hand moves two fingers and a pinky. Start slow and work for accuracy of fingerings.
- Given the air requirements of the notes above high C, especially high Eb, it's possible to get the fingering right and not have the note speak (too-slow air). It's also possible to miss the fingering and get a high-note squeak that you mistake for the correct note. Aim above all, in these early stages, for accuracy of fingerings; don’t let response issues stop you from drilling fingerings, but rather train yourself to play on through them and respond with faster air aimed higher.
- Drill |: high C - high D - high Eb :| lots, aiming for consistently accurate fingers. Start as slow as you need to start for accuracy.
- Half hole middle Eb to first octave key left F
- Left pinky facility with left F, Ab, and low B positions
I do not recommend playing the E or F two octave scales in the first year. The standard high E and F fingerings (both the Ab and left Eb keys should be hit with the left pinky) that should be used for the F scale are extremely awkward. Many beginner book fingering charts include a "cheat" version of these fingerings where both pinkies are used, but that's unusable in any scale and in most music.