Fingering Seventh Chords

In a work on piano technic we find the following concise rules for the playing of seventh chords in the form of arpeggios. They should be memorized by students.

  1. All those beginning on a white note in either the original position, first, second or third inversion, have the fingering thus: Left hand, 5 4 3 2; right hand, 1 2 3 4. If any of the inversions begin on a black key, follow Rule 2.

  2. (a) All those beginning on a black note in any position in the right hand, begin on the second finger, the thumb on the first white key following. If any of the inversions begin on a white key, follow Rule 1.

    (b) In the left hand beginning on a black key the fourth finger takes the first note and the thumb falls on the farthest possible note from it. That is, when possible, the fingers should be 4 3 2 1. When the fourth note falls on a black key begin with the third finger, not the fourth. That is, the hand does not change its position until absolutely compelled.

    In the case of diminished sevenths the same rules apply as for dominant sevenths.

In the case of diminished sevenths the same rules apply as for dominant sevenths.

  1. When the arpeggios are played legato, practice them with finger and wrist staccato in addition.
  2. Do not neglect to play every inversion with hands separately, in both similar and contrary motion, beginning both at the high and the low ends. In addition, when playing hands together have, say the first inversion in the left hand and original position in the right, etc.
  3. Always practice in regular order, but also devote a set time to playing irregular tests.