Unforgettable in F

Irving Gordon(1951)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B
Fdim/G♯
Gm7/C
Fm/G♯

Chord Diagrams — Unforgettable in F (Guitar)

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Unforgettable 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 F (ascending unison), F to G (ascending whole step), G to G (ascending unison), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to D# (ascending minor third), D# to A# (descending perfect fourth), A# to F (descending perfect fourth), F to C (descending perfect fourth), C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to G (ascending whole step). 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 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 · 20 bars · Form: AB

Chords: F, Fdim/G♯, Gm7/C, G7, Cm7, D♯m7, A♯, Fm/G♯, C7, F7, Gm7.

Scales for Improvisation F bebop, F bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of F