Key of F Major

General Info

Name

F Major

Type

Major (natural)

Tonic

F

Key signature

1 flat (B)

Relative key

D MinorRelative

Parallel key

F MinorParallel

Description

Complete reference for the key of F Major: diatonic chords, fretboard scale, common progressions and related keys.

Key Composition

Degrees, notes & intervals

1Froot

2Gmajor 2nd

3Amajor 3rd

4Bbperfect 4th

5Cperfect 5th

6Dmajor 6th

7Emajor 7th

Key Construction

Interval formula

F

1

G

1

A

½

Bb

1

C

1

D

1

E

Explanation

A major key is built on the natural major scale: two whole steps, half step, three whole steps, half step. This formula determines all notes and chords of the key.

How the Key Feels

Key character

Pastoral and calm key. One flat creates a soft, harmonious sound. Associated with nature and peace.

Harmonic Functions

Overview

Tonic is the center of the key, a point of rest and stability. Subdominant creates movement away from tonic, building tension. Dominant provides maximum pull toward tonic, seeking resolution. The harmonic motion T→S→D→T is the core principle of tonal music.

Chords by Degree

Tensions & Resolutions

Harmonic Context

Tonal patterns & principles

F Major is a classic major key of the tonal system. The key unfolds through the alternation of stability (T) and tension (S, D).

Natural progressions

I–IV–V–I

F—Bb—C—F

full cadenceI–V–vi–IV

F—C—Dm—Bb

pop formulaii–V–I

Gm—C—F

jazz cadence

Cadences

VCC

IFF

Authentic cadence — creates a sense of completion.

IVBbBb

VCC

IFF

Full cadence — the most convincing phrase ending.