F♯ Major Chord (F#, Gb) on Piano
The F# chord (F# major) is built from 3 notes: F# – A# – C#. It is also written as Gb.
Play these notes on a MIDI keyboard, your computer keyboard, or the on-screen keys and ChordKeys will name the chord back to you.
Notes and intervals
| Note | Degree | Interval from F# | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| F# | 1 | root | 0 |
| A# | 3 | major 3rd | 4 |
| C# | 5 | perfect 5th | 7 |
Inversions
Rearranging which note sits at the bottom gives you 3 playable voicings of the same chord. Inversions let you move between chords with less hand movement.
| Voicing | Notes | Bass note |
|---|---|---|
| Root position | F# – A# – C# | F# in the bass |
| 1st inversion | A# – C# – F# | A# in the bass |
| 2nd inversion | C# – F# – A# | C# in the bass |
How the major chord is built
Every major chord uses the same interval formula: 1 (0 semitones), 3 (4 semitones), 5 (7 semitones). Starting on F# and applying that formula produces F#, A#, C#. Learn the formula once and you can build a major chord on any of the twelve roots.
Keys that contain F#
Every note of F# belongs to these keys, so it will sit naturally in a progression written in any of them.
Other chords on F#
Major chords on other roots
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in a F# chord?
A F# chord contains the notes F#, A#, C#. Those are the 1, 3, 5 degrees measured from the root note F#.
How do you play F# on piano?
Place your thumb on F#, then add A# and C# above it. With a right hand in root position the common fingering is 1–3–5.
Is F# the same as Gb?
Yes. F# and Gb are enharmonic equivalents — they sound identical and use the same piano keys. Which spelling you use depends on the key you are playing in.