Hey Friend,

Today marks the halfway point in the chords of the C major key. F major is the perfect fourth interval in the C major scale, and the first major chord we've encountered since we started playing around with C major. It falls in as chord number IV.

Refresher:

The notes for F major are F, A and C. They are the 1 3 5 notes from the F major scale in the key of F major, and they're also the 4, 6 and 8 (1) notes if you're playing the scale in the key of C major. Of course, if you just start counting with the F note in the C major scale, they'll be the 1 3 5 notes, too. Here's the key of F major to illustrate its scale:

Notice its 4 note is a B flat. I know it seems a little weird to see that initially, but this is how the pattern works out. Remember, apply the pattern "W W H W W W H" to a scale and it will keep you on the straight and narrow.

When you look at the exercises today, I want you to put away any preconceived notions about F major. It gets a bad rap based on the fact that nearly all teachers emphasize the barring of the first and second strings at the first fret - and that puts people off.  I'll admit I've even gone down this road teaching my students.

But look at the first chord chart. Do you see any barring? Nope, this triad is as easy (maybe easier) as a C major chord.

Not so scary now, is it? In fact, look at how easily you can change from a C major to F major chord. Your index finger stays right where it is, and your middle and ring fingers each just lift up and shift up a string. 

Show it some love today!

Here are the major keys where you'll find F major:

And the minor keys:

Practice playing both the east F major version and the more difficult barred version. That's the one you'll see in most song tabs, and you should get used to playing two string barres as this isn't the last time you're going to see them. 

Have fun, and Happy Monday (ugh)!

Peace~

Dave