Free practice references
Scales for orchestral strings
47 instrument-and-key references with sounding notes, available lower-position fingerings, notation and audio. Choose your instrument, then a key. No account is needed.
The catalog spans eight major and five natural-minor keys; double-bass coverage is narrower because of its supported range. One- and two-octave choices follow the actual supported range; not every key has both. These are original Arco routines, not exam-board prescriptions.
Violin
Treble-clef notation, with sounding pitches and available lower-position references.
- C major
- G major
- D major
- A major
- E major
- F major
- B-flat major
- E-flat major
- A natural minor
- D natural minor
- E natural minor
- G natural minor
- C natural minor
Viola
Alto-clef notation, with sounding pitches and string-specific fingering references.
- C major
- G major
- D major
- A major
- E major
- F major
- B-flat major
- E-flat major
- A natural minor
- D natural minor
- E natural minor
- G natural minor
- C natural minor
Cello
Bass-clef notation, with sounding pitches and available lower-position references.
- C major
- G major
- D major
- A major
- E major
- F major
- B-flat major
- E-flat major
- A natural minor
- D natural minor
- E natural minor
- G natural minor
- C natural minor
Double bass
Sounding concert-pitch notation, one octave below a conventional written bass part.
Read the double bass fingering chartHow to use these references
Read the pitch table first. Multiple fingerings are alternatives, not a complete route through a scale. Ask a teacher to choose unfamiliar positions before playing. Use a comfortable tempo, practise a small section, and stop if you feel strain.
Playback supplies pitch and timing only. It cannot demonstrate or judge your bowing, posture, tone or exam readiness. Natural minor stays natural minor in both directions; harmonic and melodic forms are not included in this catalog.