How do you harmonize the F minor scale?

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

F minor chords

All guitar chords for the F minor scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

F minor scale diatonic chords

IF minor

IIG dim

IIIA♭ major

IVB♭ minor

VC minor

VIC♯ major

VIIE♭ major

F minor scale seventh chords

IF m7

IIG m7♭5

IIIA♭ maj7

IVB♭ m7

VC m7

VIC♯ maj7

VIIE♭ 7

scale

Fretboard diagram

F minor scale — chords and intervals

The harmonized F minor scale yields a chord family rooted in emotional depth and narrative tension. Its natural minor chord pattern — minor-diminished-major-minor-minor-major-major — provides a rich palette for dramatic songwriting. The diatonic chords of F minor are Fm7, Gm7b5, Abmaj7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Eb7. The i-iv-v progression creates classic minor-key melancholy, while borrowing the V major chord from harmonic minor adds a powerful resolution. The III-VII-i movement is a staple of rock and metal. Commonly used in Rock, Pop, Metal, Classical, R&B. Notable players include Metallica, Adele, Beethoven.

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

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

Diatonic chords: Fm7, Gm7b5, Abmaj7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Eb7.

Degrees	Chord
I	Fm7
ii	Gm7b5
iii	Abmaj7
IV	Bbm7
V	Cm7
vi	Dbmaj7
vii°	Eb7

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (Fm7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Gm7b5) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Abmaj7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Bbm7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Cm7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Dbmaj7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Eb7) 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 minor 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 minor scale on guitar.

minor is the 6th mode of the Major scale (Aeolian). View F Major scale

Related Scales

How to Use This Scale

Use over minor triads, m7, m9 chords. Works across the entire minor key. Avoid over dominant chords that want a leading tone.