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Exams/Scales/ABRSM · Grade 5

Scales and arpeggios

Grade 5 introduces hands-together scales for the first time and brings arpeggios up to two-octave hands together for the simpler keys. Tempo ♩ ≈ 100. Diminished 7ths arrive as a broken-chord pattern.

What this grade asks for

  • Section

    Scales (hands together, two octaves)

    Selected major and minor keys — see workbook for the full list. Legato.

  • Section

    Scales (hands separately, two octaves)

    All major and minor keys up to four sharps and four flats.

  • Section

    Contrary motion

    Hands together, two octaves — major scales on the white keys.

  • Section

    Chromatic scales

    Hands separately, two octaves, starting on any note.

  • Section

    Arpeggios

    Hands together where indicated; two octaves. Root position.

  • Section

    Dominant + diminished 7ths

    Resolving onto tonic, hands separately, in nominated keys.

ABRSM — other grades

ABRSM Grade 5 piano scales & arpeggios — Bristol Piano