Why Don't You Do Right? in F

Kansas Joe McCoy / Herb Morand(1936)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B
Fm7/D♯
Fm7/D♯
Fm7/G♯
C7♯5
C7♯5

Chord Diagrams — Why Don't You Do Right? in F (Guitar)

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Why Don't You Do Right? 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 C# (descending major third), C# to C (descending half step), C to A# (descending whole step), A# to F (descending perfect fourth), F to A# (ascending perfect fourth), A# to F (descending perfect fourth), F to F (ascending unison), F to C (descending perfect fourth), C to C# (ascending half 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 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.

swing4/4 · 21 bars · Form: AB

Chords: Fm, Fm7/D♯, C♯7, C7, A♯m7, Fm7, A♯m6, Fm7/G♯, Fm6, C7♯5, C♯Maj7.

Scales for Improvisation F bebop minor, F bebop.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of F