C Genus primum Scale on the Piano - How to play, How to improvise, How to compose music with this scale

Notes: C, D, F, and G - Key: C - Origin: Latin - Category: Pentatonic Scales

The C Genus primum uses five notes per octave. Because of this same reason it is a member of the so called Pentatonic -scales that have Five-note (or Five-tone). On the piano keyboard, it is made up of no black keys: no and four white keys: C, D, F, and G. This combination makes this scale - as well as the C Genus diatonicum, C Genus diatonicum veterum correctum, and C Genus secundum - as great choices for composing or improvising Latin music.

If we take a look a the key signature of the C Genus primum Scale we can find it has no flats and no sharps. Therefore, on sheet music you will find no accidentals on the score. The notes of this scale are: C, D, F, and G.

How to play the C Genus primum scale?

  1. 1
    To play the C Genus primum on your piano, start on the Root note. Play C, the first note of the scale.
  2. 2
    Continue with rest of the notes that shape the scale, play D, F, and G.
  3. 3
    Return to the home of the C Genus primum scale. Play again C -the tonic of the scale- to mark its ending.

How to play the scale in descending fashion?

  1. 1
    Begin on the last note. Play the C, the last (and first) note of the scale.
  2. 2
    Go down. Play G, F, and D.
  3. 3
    Reach the home again. Establish tonality by playing the tonic of the C Genus primum scale: C.
  4. 4
    Tip. If you want to learn how to improvise or compose your own music using the C Genus primum scale or any other scale, check out our step-by-step online piano lessons, piano courses, and interactive piano apps and enjoy thousands of interactive multimedia piano animations. Discover 'Logic Behind Music' and learn how to play your favorite songs, play by ear, improvise, and even create your own music!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z