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F major

What is F major? A clear definition from the tuning & pitch section of our glossary, with 18 related terms, tools to try and further reading.

Definition of F major

F major is a major scale based on F, with the pitches F, G, A, B♭, C, D, and E. Its key signature has one flat. Its relative minor is D minor and its parallel minor is F minor.

Changes needed for the melodic and harmonic versions of the scale are written in with accidentals as necessary. The F harmonic major and melodic major scales are:

F major is the home key of the English horn, the basset horn, the horn in F, the trumpet in F and the bass Wagner tuba. Thus, music in F major for these transposing instruments is written in C major. These instruments sound a perfect fifth lower than written, with the exception of the trumpet in F which sounds a fourth higher.

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What is F major?

F major is a major scale based on F, with the pitches F, G, A, B♭, C, D, and E. Its key signature has one flat. Its relative minor is D minor and its parallel minor is F minor.

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