Bohemia After Dark in F

Oscar Pettiford(1955)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B
Fm11/A♯

Chord Diagrams — Bohemia After Dark in F (Guitar)

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Bohemia After Dark 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 C# (ascending half step), C# to F (ascending major third), F to F (ascending unison), F to G (ascending whole step). 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 G to F by whole step.

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: Fm, Gm7♭5, C7♭9, C♯9, Fm6, Fm11/A♯, G7♭5.

Scales for Improvisation F bebop minor, F bebop.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of F