Ma Belle Hélène
Chord Diagrams — Ma Belle Hélène in F (Guitar)
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Ma Belle Hélène 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 C# to A (descending major third), A to F (descending major third), F to C# (descending major third), C# to C (descending half step), C to G# (descending major third), G# to E (descending major third), E to C (descending major third), C to B (descending half step), B to D# (ascending major third), D# to G (ascending major third), G to F (descending whole step), F to B (ascending tritone), B to D (ascending minor third), D to A# (descending major third), A# to F# (descending major third), F# to D (descending major third), D to C# (descending half step), C# to A (descending major third), A to F (descending major third), F to C (descending perfect fourth), C to E (ascending major third), E to G# (ascending major third), G# to F# (descending whole step), F# to C (ascending tritone), C to D# (ascending minor third), D# to G (ascending major third). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. 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 G to C# by tritone.
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. Use the Lydian mode (raised 4th) over the IV chord for a dreamy, floating quality that lifts the harmony.