Explore More

Stompin' At The Savoy 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 C (descending perfect fourth), C to F# (ascending tritone), F# to G (ascending half step), G to F (descending whole step), F to D (descending minor third), D to F (ascending minor third), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to B (ascending half step), B to D# (ascending major third), D# to E (ascending half step), E to G# (ascending major third), G# to A (ascending half step), A to C# (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 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.

medium-swing4/4 · 32 bars · Form: ABA

Chords: Fmaj7, C7, F♯dim7, Gm7, F6, Dm7, F7, A♯7, B7, D♯7, E7, G♯7, A7, C♯7.

Scales for Improvisation F bebop, F bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of F