How do you harmonize the F major scale?

To harmonize F major, stack thirds from each scale degree to build diatonic chords. This produces triads and seventh chords that naturally fit within the key of F major.

F major chords

All guitar chords for the F major scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

F major scale diatonic chords

IF major

IIG minor

IIIA minor

IVB♭ major

VC major

VID minor

VIIE dim

F major scale seventh chords

IF maj7

IIG m7

IIIA m7

IVB♭ maj7

VC 7

VID m7

VIIE m7♭5

scale

Fretboard diagram

F major scale — chords and intervals

Harmonizing the F major scale produces the most foundational chord family in Western music. The diatonic chords follow a major-minor-minor-major-major-minor-diminished pattern that has powered countless hit songs. The chords built from F major are Fmaj7, Gm7, Am7, Bbmaj7, C7, Dm7, Em7b5. The I-IV-V progression is the backbone of pop, rock, and country, while the I-V-vi-IV pattern has become the most popular progression in modern songwriting. Use the ii chord as a gentle pre-dominant and the vii° as a passing tension. Commonly used in Pop, Classical, Country, Folk, Rock. Notable players include The Beatles, Taylor Swift, John Mayer.

The F major scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

Intervals: W-W-H-W-W-W-H.

Diatonic chords: Fmaj7, Gm7, Am7, Bbmaj7, C7, Dm7, Em7b5.

Degrees	Chord
I	Fmaj7
ii	Gm7
iii	Am7
IV	Bbmaj7
V	C7
vi	Dm7
vii°	Em7b5

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (Fmaj7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Gm7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Am7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Bbmaj7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (C7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Dm7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Em7b5) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.

This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the F major scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.

Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the F major scale on guitar.

Related Scales

How to Use This Scale

Use over major triads, Maj7, Maj9, and any diatonic chord within the key. The default choice for major-key songwriting.