Exams/Scales & arpeggios
ABRSM scales and arpeggios
ABRSM scales build touch contrasts early, bring hands together at Grade 5, and add scales in thirds plus arpeggio inversions from Grade 6.
How ABRSM treats scales
ABRSM
ABRSM — staccato/legato + scales in thirds
ABRSM scales emphasise touch contrasts (legato vs staccato) early, introduce hands-together work at Grade 5, and bring scales-in-thirds and arpeggio inversions in by Grade 6. The pacing is gradual and very widely taught.
Pick your grade
ABRSM — Grades 1 to 8
Bristol Piano is an independent reference work and is not affiliated with ABRSM.