F# Major Scale
F sharp major runs F sharp, G sharp, A sharp, B, C sharp, D sharp, E sharp and back to F sharp. It has six sharps. On a piano, E sharp is played on the key labeled F, but its written name tells you it is the seventh scale degree leading to F sharp.
- Notes: F sharp-G sharp-A sharp-B-C sharp-D sharp-E sharp
- Key signature: six sharps
- Relative minor: D sharp minor
Why not call that note F?
A seven-note major scale uses each letter name once before the octave repeats. In F sharp major, the notes before the last root have to run through G, A, B, C, D and E. The pitch a half step below F sharp is written E sharp. Calling it F natural would put two F names in the scale and hide its role as degree 7.
The half steps are A sharp-B and E sharp-F sharp. Play both pairs slowly. The six-sharp key signature marks F, C, G, D, A and E sharp. Its enharmonic counterpart G flat major uses the same piano pitches with different written note names; context determines which spelling is easier to read.
Which chords are in the key?
Build triads by taking every other note: F sharp, G sharp minor, A sharp minor, B, C sharp major, D sharp minor and E sharp diminished. Try F sharp-B-C sharp-F sharp. C sharp major contains C sharp-E sharp-G sharp. E sharp can rise to F sharp in the last chord.
This page uses F sharp spelling consistently. If you are reading a score in G flat major, use its flat spelling instead of translating every note into sharps mid-phrase. The Circle of Fifths shows where the two written keys meet.
Try it in two directions
Play F sharp-G sharp-A sharp-B, then C sharp-D sharp-E sharp-F sharp. Descend again and pause on the key called E sharp before landing on F sharp. The keyboard position is easy; the written name is the part to remember.