Key

The key of F major · 1 flat: B♭

Major keys sound bright and settled. The I, IV and V chords do most of the work; the minor ii, iii and vi add color.

Relative minor: D minor — the same notes and key signature. Parallel minor: F minor. Scale: F major scale.

Notes in the key

FGAB♭CDE

Chords in F major

One chord on each note of the scale. Roman numerals show each chord’s position — uppercase for major, lowercase for minor.

Left-handed

I F

F A C

ii Gm

G B♭ D

iii Am

A C E

IV B♭

B♭ D F

V C

C E G

vi Dm

D F A

vii° Edim

E G B♭

Common progressions in F major

The pop progression I–V–vi–IV F – C – Dm – B♭ Three-chord rock I–IV–V–IV F – B♭ – C – B♭ The ’50s progression I–vi–IV–V F – Dm – B♭ – C The minor-feel pop progression vi–IV–I–V Dm – B♭ – F – C The 12-bar blues 12-bar blues F7 – B♭7 – C7 The jazz cadence ii–V–I Gm7 – C7 – Fmaj7 The turnaround I–vi–ii–V F – Dm – Gm – C Pachelbel’s Canon I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V F – C – Dm – Am – B♭ – F – B♭ – C The Mixolydian rock progression I–♭VII–IV–I F – E♭ – B♭ – F

Circle of fifths

Each step clockwise adds a sharp (or removes a flat). Neighbors on the circle share all but one note, so F major’s closest keys are right next to it — and its relative minor sits on the inner ring. Click any key to open it.