Keith Snell’s Scale Skills – Level 1 expands technical work beyond the preparatory stage and introduces students to their first full set of beginner scales and chords. It typically includes:
1. Major and Minor Scales (1 octave)
Students usually learn:
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C major, G major, D major, F major (1 octave)
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A natural minor (and sometimes D or E natural minor depending on the edition)
Focus areas:
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consistent fingering
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smooth thumb-under movement
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even tone and steady tempo
2. Primary Chords (I–IV–V7)
In the same keys as the scales, students learn:
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blocked triads
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simple I–IV–V7–I progressions
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hands separately, occasionally together for simpler keys
3. Cadences
Short, basic cadences to reinforce harmony and ear training:
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I–IV–I
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I–V7–I
4. Broken Chords / Arpeggio Preparation
The book introduces:
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broken triads (root–third–fifth)
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simple patterns that prepare the student for arpeggios in later levels
5. Technique Goals
Level 1 develops:
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hand coordination
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relaxed wrist and arm movement
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awareness of key signatures and patterns
Level 1 serves as an entry into more systematic technical work and prepares students for the broader scale requirements of Levels 2 and 3.
