Soul Eyes in F

Mal Waldron(1957)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B

Chord Diagrams — Soul Eyes in F (Guitar)

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Soul Eyes 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 A (descending perfect fourth), A to G (descending whole step), G to G (ascending unison), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to A (descending minor third), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to A# (descending major third), A# to B (ascending half step), B to E (ascending perfect fourth), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to D# (ascending tritone), D# to G# (ascending perfect fourth), G# to C (ascending major third), C to F (ascending 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 root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. 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 · 23 bars · Form: AB

Chords: Dm, A7♯9, G7♭5, Gm, C7♯9, Am7♭5, D7♭9, A♯Maj7, Bm7♭5, E7♭9, AMaj7, D♯7♭5, G♯Maj7, C7, FMaj7, Em7♭5, A7♭9.

Scales for Improvisation F bebop, F bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of F