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Exams/Scales/ABRSM · Grade 3

Scales and arpeggios

Grade 3 introduces arpeggios proper (replacing broken chords), adds chromatic scales, and extends the contrary-motion list. Two-octave scales hands separately, tempo ♩ ≈ 80.

What this grade asks for

  • Section

    Scales (hands separately, two octaves)

    Major and minor (harmonic or melodic). Legato touch.

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

    Contrary-motion scale

    Hands together, two octaves.

    • C major
    • G major
    • F major
  • Section

    Chromatic scale

    Hands separately, two octaves, beginning on D.

  • Section

    Arpeggios (hands separately, two octaves)

    Root-position arpeggios in the same keys as the scales.

ABRSM — other grades

ABRSM Grade 3 piano scales & arpeggios — Bristol Piano