Alone Together in F

Arthur Schwartz / Howard Dietz(1932)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B

Chord Diagrams — Alone Together in F (Guitar)

Display
FingerNoteDegree

Alone Together in F

Key of F

F major is the gateway to barre chords. While F itself requires a full barre at fret 1, the remaining diatonic chords (C, Dm, Am, G, Bb) mix open and barre shapes. The open high E acts as Fmaj7's seventh, adding unexpected richness. F is a intermediate-level key on guitar because the open high E string is the major seventh of F, creating a lush Fmaj7 resonance even in basic shapes, but the F barre chord itself is the first big hurdle for beginners. This key mixes open and barre shapes, making it a good intermediate challenge that builds fretboard fluency.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through F to G (ascending whole step), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to C (descending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to A# (ascending unison), A# to D (ascending major third), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to D# (descending major third), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to G# (ascending unison), G# to C (ascending major third), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to C# (descending whole step). The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from C# to F by major third.

Scales for Improvisation

F major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, F Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.

swing4/4 · 33 bars · Form: AB

Chords: Fm, Gm7♭5, C7♭9, F, Cm7♭5, F7♭9, A♯m, A♯m7, Dm7, G7, D♯7, G♯, G♯7, C7, FMaj7, A♯m7♭5, D♯7♭9, C♯7.

Scales for Improvisation F bebop minor, F bebop.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of F