Major key guide
F major scale, chords, and progressions
Learn the F major scale, its B♭ key signature, seven diatonic chords, D minor relationship, and a playable F–Dm–Gm–C loop.
Key at a glance
1 flat: B♭
F major is the first common flat key. B♭ replaces B natural, keeping the major-scale interval pattern intact and making C the dominant chord.
- Tonic
- F
- Key signature
- 1 flat: B♭
- Relative key
- D minor
01
Play the F major scale
F major introduces the order of flats without adding visual clutter. Its relative D minor makes it a useful partner for comparing major and minor harmony.
F major scale
Listen from the tonic to the octave, or press one note at a time.
Sound loads when you first play.
02
Diatonic chords in F major
Build a chord on every scale degree using only notes from the scale.
| Degree | Triad | Seventh chord |
|---|---|---|
| I | F | Fmaj7 |
| ii | Gm | Gm7 |
| iii | Am | Am7 |
| IV | B♭ | B♭maj7 |
| V | C | C7 |
| vi | Dm | Dm7 |
| vii° | Edim | Em7♭5 |
03
Tonic to predominant: I–vi–ii–V
Use the shared note F to connect F, Dm, and B♭ smoothly, then let E lead from C back to the tonic.
F – Dm – Gm – C
I–vi–ii–V in F major.
Sound loads when you first play.
A short practice plan
- Watch for B♭ every time the scale reaches its fourth degree.
- Practice F–Dm–Gm–C as a loop, then resolve C back to F.
- Compare the notes of F major and D minor while keeping B♭ visible.