Hi, I've started learning the Grade 1 scales and arpeggios. The scales are two octaves but the arpeggios are just one octave.

Why isn't the first note of the arpeggio always the same (pitch wise) as the first note of the scale?

I'm finding this hard to explain, but as example - C major. The right hand two octave scale begins on middle C, as does the one octave arpeggio (which makes sense to me). But - the left hand scale starts two octaves below middle C whilst the arpeggio starts one octave below middle C.

There's a different pattern for all the scales/arpeggios I've encountered so far, and I just wondered why! Is there some kind of a pattern to it that I'm missing? Or do you just have to learn the start note for each arpeggio individually?

Thanks,
Carys

I've always seen it as a matter of comfort really.
Is the starting note in the scale book really 2 octaves apart in C major?
I would generally teach people to begin only an octave lower with the left.
Though starting 2 octaves below middle C avoids crossing your body as you go up which is probably more comfortable.
Arpeggios being only 1 octave may start at a different octave to the scale starts just because of where they are comfortable to play without twisying your body.
I don't think it really matters in the exam.

It's because your should always begin and end with your RIGHT hand as close to middle c as possible. The highest notes on your LEFT and scales and apreggios should also be as close to middle c as possible. Would make sence as to why a 2 octave scale begins 2 octaves below middle C and a one octave apreggio begins only one octave below middle C. Therefore I'm guessing your scales book shows all right hand arpeggios and scales beginning on the same note? (This obviously doesnt apply in the same way when you play scales with both hands together after grade 1!)

HOWEVER, don't worry about this. I came out of an exam really worried because I thought I'd played an arppeggio too far up the keyboard with my left hand, IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO YOUR MARK. and as Sbhoa says, play what feels comfortable.

QUOTE (Hand, Toe, Knee @ Dec 21 2004, 06:16 PM)

It's because your should always begin and end with your RIGHT hand as close to middle c as possible. The highest notes on your LEFT and scales and apreggios should also be as close to middle c as possible.

A-ha. Yes, that does seem to be the case when I look at my scale book. Thanks!