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F major (F) on guitar

The F major scale consists of the notes F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E and has 1 flat. Below you can see every usable note on the neck up to fret 15.

F majorMajor scale

♪ Click a note on the fretboard to hear its sound.

E
B
G
D
A
E
0123•45•67•89•101112••131415•
Root noteOther notes
Click a note to hear it · frets 0–15

Chords in F major

Common progression: F – C – Dm – B♭ (I–V–vi–IV).

Quick overview

Root note
F
Mode
major
Key signature
1 flat
Pentatonic
F G A C D
Relative key
D minor

Well-known songs in F major

  • At LastEtta James
  • Baba O'RileyThe Who
  • Don't Stop Me NowQueen
  • Easy on MeAdele
  • Free Fallin'Tom Petty
  • Go Your Own WayFleetwood Mac
  • Hey JudeThe Beatles
  • Just the Way You AreBruno Mars
  • No SurprisesRadiohead
  • Scar TissueRed Hot Chili Peppers
  • Start Me UpThe Rolling Stones
  • The JokerSteve Miller Band
  • The ScientistColdplay
  • TornNatalie Imbruglia
  • What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
  • YesterdayThe Beatles

Key of the original recording; live versions or covers may differ.

CAGED positions

With the CAGED system you play F in five positions across the whole neck. Each shape connects to the next.

  • E shapearound fret 1 · root on low E string, fret 1
  • D shapearound fret 3 · root on D string, fret 3
  • C shapearound fret 5 · root on A string, fret 8
  • A shapearound fret 8 · root on A string, fret 8
  • G shapearound fret 10 · root on low E string, fret 13

Learn F major in 5 steps

  1. Step 1

    Find the root note F

    Find F on the low E string (fret 1) and on the A string (fret 8). Play them alternately and say the name out loud. Every pattern below hangs off these two points.

  2. Step 2

    Play the main chords

    Learn the three most important chords: F (I), B♭ (IV) and C (V). Switch between them at a slow tempo until you can play through without stopping.

  3. Step 3

    Learn the pentatonic in box 1

    The major pentatonic (F G A C D) is the first pattern to learn. Put your index finger around fret 10 and play two notes per string, from the low E to the high e and back.

  4. Step 4

    Extend to the full scale

    Add the two missing notes (B♭ and E) in the same position. Now you're playing all seven notes of F majeur: F G A B♭ C D E.

  5. Step 5

    Improvise over a chord progression

    Record F – C – Dm – B♭ (or ask someone to play it) and solo over it using box 1. End your phrases on F and listen to how that "coming home" sounds.

Playing F major with a capo

Go to the capo guide

Solo tips for F major

  1. Start with the major pentatonic scale (F G A C D). The best-known "box" pattern starts on the root F on the low E string, fret 1.
  2. End your phrases on the root F for a resolved feeling, or on the third A and fifth C for tension.
  3. Add the blue note A♭ as a passing note for a bluesy sound — don't linger on it too long.
  4. Over the C chord (the V) deliberately play the notes of that chord to make the chord changes audible.

Frequently asked questions about F major

Which notes are in F majeur?

F majeur (F) consists of the notes F, G, A, B♭, C, D, E. The key signature has 1 flat.

Which chords fit F majeur?

The diatonic chords in F majeur are F, Gm, Am, B♭, C, Dm, Edim. You can freely combine them; they all sound good within the key.

What is the relative key of F majeur?

The relative key is D minor. It uses exactly the same notes and key signature, just with a different tonal centre.

Which pentatonic scale do you use in F majeur?

Use the major pentatonic scale: F, G, A, C, D. It avoids the "tricky" half-step intervals and almost always sounds good.

How do I find F on the guitar neck?

You'll find the root F on the low E string at fret 1 and on the A string at fret 8, among other places.