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Exams/Scales/ABRSM · Grade 6

Scales and arpeggios

Grade 6 takes everything to hands together over four octaves and introduces scales in thirds (a third apart between the hands), staccato + legato touch contrasts, and full arpeggio inversions. Tempo ♩ ≈ 116.

What this grade asks for

  • Section

    Scales (hands together, four octaves)

    All major and minor keys, legato. Some keys also asked staccato.

  • Section

    Scales a third apart

    Hands together, two octaves, in C and G major — a third between the hands.

  • Section

    Chromatic scales (hands together)

    Two octaves, starting on any note — both legato and staccato.

  • Section

    Arpeggios (hands together, four octaves)

    Root position and inversions in nominated major and minor keys.

  • Section

    Dominant + diminished 7ths

    Hands together, resolving on the tonic, in nominated keys.

ABRSM — other grades

ABRSM Grade 6 piano scales & arpeggios — Bristol Piano