F major · 7 chords · 1♭

Chords in the Key of F major

The key of F major contains the notes F – G – A – Bb – C – D – E. Its seven chords are F, Gm, Am, Bb, C, Dm, Edim.

The seven chords of F major

These are the triads built on each note of the F major scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
I	F	F – A – C	Tonic
ii	Gm	G – Bb – D	Supertonic
iii	Am	A – C – E	Mediant
IV	Bb	Bb – D – F	Subdominant
V	C	C – E – G	Dominant
vi	Dm	D – F – A	Submediant
vii°	Edim	E – G – Bb	Leading tone

Seventh chords in F major

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit F major.

Fmaj7 Gm7 Am7 Bbmaj7 C7 Dm7 Em7b5

Key signature of F major

F major has 1 flat: Bb.

The relative minor of F major is D minor: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels more serious.

How to use the chords of F major

Most songs in a major key start and end on the I chord and lean on the IV and V chords. Try I–IV–V first, then add the vi chord for a more emotional sound.

Chord progressions in F major

Popular progressions written out in F major:

I-V-vi-IV: F – C – Dm – Bb
I-IV-V: F – Bb – C
12-Bar Blues: F7 – F7 – F7 – F7 – Bb7 – Bb7 – F7 – F7 – C7 – Bb7 – F7 – C7
I-vi-IV-V (50s progression): F – Dm – Bb – C
vi-IV-I-V: Dm – Bb – F – C
ii-V-I: Gm7 – C7 – Fmaj7

Scales to play in F major

F Major Scale F Major Pentatonic Scale F Mixolydian Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of F major?

The chords in F major are F, Gm, Am, Bb, C, Dm, Edim, which are chords I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° of the key.

What is the relative minor of F major?

It is D minor. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in F major?