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Exams/Scales/ABRSM · Grade 1

Scales and arpeggios

Grade 1 introduces a small number of scales and broken chords, hands separately, one octave. Tempo is gentle (♩ ≈ 60). Scales are played legato, broken chords using the standard ABRSM pattern.

What this grade asks for

  • Section

    Scales (hands separately, one octave)

    Major and minor scales — natural minor pattern accepted at this grade.

    • C major
    • G major
    • D major
    • F major
    • A minor
    • D minor
    • E minor
  • Section

    Contrary-motion scale

    Hands together, beginning on the tonic, one octave outward and back.

    • C major
  • Section

    Broken chords

    Hands separately, the ABRSM five-note broken-chord pattern over one octave.

    • C major
    • G major
    • D major
    • F major
    • A minor
    • D minor
    • E minor

ABRSM — other grades

ABRSM Grade 1 piano scales & arpeggios — Bristol Piano