SCALE AND ARPEGGIO PATTERNS

The examples below clarify patterns found in this syllabus. Reference should be
made to the appropriate syllabus pages for the full requirements for each instrument.
Rhythm patterns for scales
For major and minor scales (all grades) candidates may choose between two rhythm
patterns: even notes or long tonic. (Chromatic scales should be played with even
notes at all grades.)
or

even notes

44

long tonic

44

etc.

etc.

Slurring patterns for scales

or

even notes

2 quavers:
2 beats:
7 notes:

44
87

long tonic

44

etc.

etc.

etc.

V#
A

Natural minor scale

Dominant seventh (resolving on tonic)

V 24 r

Double-stop scales

V bb 44
V ## 44
V bb 44

In broken steps
in sixths:
in octaves:
in thirds:

etc.

etc.

etc.

etc.

etc.

etc.

Scale and arpeggio patterns

Double-stop scales (cont.)

In parallel

V bbb 44
V ## 44

in sixths:

in octaves:

V bbb 44
V ## 44

or long tonic

even notes

etc.

etc.

etc.

etc.

Patterns for Double Bass only

Scales to a sixth

B 34 r r

B 24

or long tonic

even notes

Scales to a twelfth

B b 44

B b 44 r q

or long tonic

even notes

etc.

B b 68 . r.

Arpeggios to a twelfth

Scale in broken thirds

B# 44

B# 68

Scale in running thirds

etc.

etc.

etc.

etc.

q
B

.
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