Bock to Bock in F

Buddy Montgomery(1957)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B

Chord Diagrams — Bock to Bock in F (Guitar)

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Bock to Bock 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 D to D (ascending unison), D to A# (descending major third), A# to A (descending half step), A to B (ascending whole step), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to G# (ascending major third), G# to G (descending half step), G to G# (ascending half step), G# to A (ascending half step), A to G (descending whole step), G to B (ascending major third), B to A# (descending half step), A# to F (descending perfect fourth), F to E (descending half step), E to A (ascending perfect fourth). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from A to D by perfect fourth.

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 · 25 bars · Form: AB

Chords: Dm7, Dm7/C, A♯7, A7, Bm7♭5, Em7♭5, G♯7♭5, G7, G♯dim7, Am7, GMaj7, Bm7, A♯7♭5, Fm7, Em7, A7♯5.

Scales for Improvisation F bebop, F bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of F