Where or When in F

Richard Rodgers / Lorenz Hart(1937)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B

Chord Diagrams — Where or When in F (Guitar)

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Where or When 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 D (descending minor third), D to B (descending minor third), B to A# (descending half step), A# to A (descending half step), A to G (descending whole step), G to F (descending whole step), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to A# (ascending unison), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to D (descending half step), D to C (descending whole step), C to E (ascending major third), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to C (ascending unison), C to A# (descending whole step), A# to A (descending half step), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to F (descending whole step). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The mix of stepwise and leap motion balances smoothness with harmonic drive. When the progression loops, the bass returns from F to F by unison.

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 · 32 bars · Form: AB

Chords: FMaj7, Dm7, Bm7♭5, A♯7, Am7, Gm7, F7, A♯Maj7, A♯m7, D♯7, D7, C7, Em7♭5, A7♭9, Dm11, G9, C7♭9, Cm9, A♯Maj9, Am7♭5, D7♭9, G7, F6.

Scales for Improvisation F bebop, F bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of F