F Major scale
The F Major scale is a 7-note major scale built on the root F. Its notes are F, G, A, B♭, C, D and E. Bright, stable and resolved. The starting point of Western tonal music. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make F Major a great tool for improvising and composing.
The major scale is where Western music starts. You'll hear it everywhere - pop hits, classical symphonies, hymns, country ballads, anything that wants to sound bright, hopeful, or triumphant. Built on the root F, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where F is a comfortable tonal centre.
F Major on the piano
F Major on the guitar
F Major on the staff
Hear the F Major scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the F Major scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | F |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | G |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | A |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | B♭(Bb) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | C |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | D |
| 7 | 7M | 11 | E |
Diatonic chords of F Major
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from F Major
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the F Major scale
The diatonic chords of F Major are: I = F, ii = Gm, iii = Am, IV = B♭, V = C, vi = Dm, vii° = E°. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in F Major. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
The major scale is where Western music starts. You'll hear it everywhere - pop hits, classical symphonies, hymns, country ballads, anything that wants to sound bright, hopeful, or triumphant.
Practice tips
Run the major scale through one octave with strict alternate-picking or alternating fingers. Then sing each degree with solfège (do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do) to get the sound in your head.
Famous songs in F Major
These well-known tracks all use the F Major scale.
- 1Hey JudeThe Beatles
- 2Stand By MeBen E. King
- 3YesterdayThe Beatles
- 4Lean On MeBill Withers
- 5What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
Famous songs
Songs and pieces that use F Major include “Yesterday” - The Beatles; “Don’t Stop Believin’” - Journey. Studying these examples is one of the fastest ways to internalise the scale’s sound.
Scales related to F Major
Once you are comfortable with F Major, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with F Major and are a natural next step in your study.
Formula & step pattern
The F Major scale follows the W-W-H-W-W-W-H pattern of whole and half steps. Step pattern: W - W - H - W - W - W - H. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6M · 7M. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the F Major scale?
What is the formula for the F Major scale?
Is F Major a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the F Major scale?
Which genres use F Major?
What is the relative key of F Major?
What is the parallel key of F Major?
How do I practise the F Major scale?
Take F Major into your music
Build progressions, find chord voicings and improvise with confidence using our music tools.