Chords in the Key of F♯ Major (F#)
The key of F# major is built on the notes F# – G# – A# – B – C# – D# – E#. Every chord below is drawn from that scale, so they all sound at home together.
The seven chords in F# major
| Numeral | Chord | Notes | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | F# | F# A# C# | Major |
| ii | G#m | G# B D# | Minor |
| iii | A#m | A# C# E# | Minor |
| IV | B | B D# F# | Major |
| V | C# | C# E# G# | Major |
| vi | D#m | D# F# A# | Minor |
| vii° | E#dim | E# G# B | Diminished |
Seventh chords in F# major
Adding the next third on top of each triad gives the seventh chords of the key — the harmonic vocabulary most jazz and soul writing starts from.
| Numeral | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Imaj7 | F#maj7 | F# A# C# E# |
| ii7 | G#m7 | G# B D# F# |
| iii7 | A#m7 | A# C# E# G# |
| IVmaj7 | Bmaj7 | B D# F# A# |
| V7 | C#7 | C# E# G# B |
| vi7 | D#m7 | D# F# A# C# |
| viiø7 | E#m7b5 | E# G# B D# |
Common chord progressions in F# major
| Numerals | Chords in F# major | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| I – V – vi – IV | F# – C# – D#m – B | The most common progression in modern pop music. |
| I – IV – V – I | F# – B – C# – F# | The classic three-chord cadence used across blues, folk and rock. |
| ii – V – I | G#m – C# – F# | The backbone of jazz harmony. |
| vi – IV – I – V | D#m – B – F# – C# | A softer, minor-flavoured rotation of the pop progression. |
Relative minor key
F# major shares all of its notes with D# minor, so switching between the two changes the mood of a piece without changing a single note. D# minor and Eb minor are the same pitches written two ways; this reference files that key under Eb minor.
Scale reference
See the full F# Major scale for its fingering, key signature, degrees and step pattern. The same key is also written Gb major.
Other scales for this key: F# major pentatonic.
Other keys
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of F# major?
The key of F# major contains F#, G#m, A#m, B, C#, D#m, E#dim. These are the triads built on each degree of the F# major scale.
What is the relative minor of F# major?
The relative minor of F# major is D# minor. Both keys use exactly the same notes but resolve to a different tonic. D# minor and Eb minor are the same pitches spelled two ways; this reference files that key under Eb minor.
How many sharps or flats does F# major have?
The F# major scale is spelled F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E#, which gives it 6 sharps and 0 flats.