F major scale
Explore F major: F · G · A · B♭ · C · D · E. See its steps, key signature and relationship to D minor.
Select a key to hear its pitch. Use Tab to reach keys and Enter or Space to play them.
Ready to play. Sound starts when you press Play.
Notes, degrees and steps
The F major scale uses F, G, A, B♭, C, D and E. Its key signature has 1 flat. Start on F, follow the ordered note list, and repeat F at the octave to complete the pattern.
| Degree | Note | Semitones above tonic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | 0 |
| 2 | G | 2 |
| 3 | A | 4 |
| 4 | B♭ | 5 |
| 5 | C | 7 |
| 6 | D | 9 |
| 7 | E | 11 |
Notice these landmarks
B-flat is the only altered note. It supplies the half step A–B-flat between degrees 3 and 4; B natural would change the interval pattern.
The half-step pairs are A–B♭ and E–F. The complete step sequence is 2–2–1–2–2–2–1 semitones. Check the gap back to the upper tonic as well as the gaps within the seven-note list.
Same collection, a different tonic
D natural minor shares these pitch classes and this key signature. Its tonic and degree numbering differ. Play a short phrase that begins and ends on F, then compare one centered on D; a shared note collection does not make their tonal centers identical.
Find a chord inside the scale
Degrees 1, 3 and 5 give F · A · C, the F major triad. Add degree 7, E, for F major seventh. Sound the scale and then these selected degrees to connect a horizontal line of notes with a chord.
Practice the two small steps
Play slowly enough to name each note. Pause before A–B♭ and E–F and predict the next key. Then descend without changing the collection. Use note names first, switch to degrees, and check whether you can locate the tonic without relying on the gold highlight.
- Choose F and major in the scale explorer.
- Play one ascent and one descent.
- Save a reference that includes the note names, degrees and selected scale.
Sources and methods
- Open Music Theory: Major scales
- Major key signatures
- ChordLilt product contract