The aim of this second study is to equalize the development of the third, fourth and fifth fingers of the right hand in independence, strength and flexibility. The harmony passes through G flat, F flat and E flat in a climatic six-bar sequence before reaching a quiet cadence (with Neapolitan 6th) in C minor.

Kullak's method of fingering is this: "Everywhere that two white keys occur in succession the fifth finger is to be used for C and F in the right hand, and for F and E in the left."

In his book 'Chopin's Musical Style' Gerald Abraham states: "The enormous importance Chopin attached to this Etude is shown by the fingering, which he has given for every note exept in repeated passages; no other composition in the whole of his music is so completely fingered; none demonstrates more clearly the importance of following the composer's own fingering and not that of his ingenious editors."

Jose Iturbi says "In my opinion there are two etudes which are impossible to play: the Op.10 No.2 and the Octave Etude Opus 25 No. 10..."