Chords in the Key of F

The seven diatonic chords of F Major, with Roman numerals and common progressions.

Diatonic Chords in F Major

I
F
maj
ii
Gm
min
iii
Am
min
IV
B♭
maj
V
C
maj
vi
Dm
min
vii°
Edim
dim

Common Progressions in F Major

I–V–vi–IV
FCDmB♭
I–IV–V
FB♭C
ii–V–I
GmCF
I–vi–IV–V
FDmB♭C

The Chords in F Major

The key of F Major contains seven diatonic chords: F, Gm, Am, B♭, C, Dm, Edim. The three major chords are F, B♭, C. These are the I, IV, and V chords, the backbone of most chord progressions in this key. The three minor chords are Gm, Am, Dm, and the seventh degree is Edim, which is rarely used as a standalone chord but appears in passing progressions and jazz harmony.

Common Chord Progressions in F Major

The most popular progression in F Major is I–V–vi–IV: F, C, Dm, B♭. This progression is the foundation of hundreds of popular songs across rock, pop, folk, and country. The I chord (F) is the tonal centre; the V chord (C) creates tension that resolves back to I; and the IV chord (B♭) adds movement and contrast. Knowing these three chords alone is enough to play a large portion of songs written in F Major.

F Major on Guitar

F Major is one of the most guitar-friendly keys. Most of its diatonic chords can be played as open chord shapes or straightforward barre chords. Guitarists playing in F Major often use open voicings for a full, resonant sound, or move up the neck for a brighter tone. If the chords are too challenging in this key, use our capo chart to find a comfortable capo position that lets you play easier shapes while still sounding in F Major.

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