F Major: Scale, Chords and Progressions

Chords in the key of F major

The key of F major has one flat in the key signature (B♭). Its scale is F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E and its seven chords are F, Gm, Am, B♭, C, Dm and Edim. The most common progression is F – C – Dm – B♭. Its relative key is D minor. With a capo on fret 1, you can play it with the shapes of E major.

The chords in the key

F is home; B♭ and C create the movement and tension that lead back to it, and Dm adds the minor colour. The four-note versions add the seventh.

Degree	Chord	Notes	Role	With seventh
I	F	F – A – C	Tonic: home	Fmaj7
ii	Gm	G – B♭ – D	Subdominant	Gm7
iii	Am	A – C – E	Tonic substitute	Am7
IV	B♭	B♭ – D – F	Subdominant	B♭maj7
V	C	C – E – G	Dominant: tension	C7
vi	Dm	D – F – A	Relative tonic	Dm7
vii°	Edim	E – G – B♭	Dominant (leading tone)	—

Scale

F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E

With a capo

To make a song sound in F major with easy open shapes:

Capo on fret 1: play the shapes of E major
Capo on fret 3: play the shapes of D major
Capo on fret 5: play the shapes of C major

Common progressions

Loop them in the chord player and use them as the base of a song.

F – C – Dm – B♭ I – V – vi – IV Play in the chord player
F – Dm – B♭ – C I – vi – IV – V Play in the chord player
Gm7 – C7 – Fmaj7 – Fmaj7 ii7 – V7 – Imaj7 – Imaj7 Play in the chord player
F – B♭ – C – F I – IV – V – I Play in the chord player

Frequently asked questions

What chords are in the key of F major?

Its seven chords are F, Gm, Am, B♭, C, Dm and Edim.

How many sharps or flats does F major have?

It has one flat in the key signature (B♭).

What is the relative key of F major?

Its relative key is D minor: they share the same notes and chords.