ScaleRoot

F♯ Major

The major scale (Ionian mode): seven notes following whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half. The foundational scale of Western tonal music, with a bright, resolved character.

Notes

1F♯

2G♯

3A♯

5C♯

6D♯

7E♯

Diatonic chords

Triads

7th chords

Common progressions

I–IV–V

F♯–B–C♯

The classic three-chord progression of rock, blues, and country.

I–V–vi–IV

F♯–C♯–D♯m–B

The pop progression — heard in everything from "Don't Stop Believin'" to "Let It Be".

I–vi–IV–V

F♯–D♯m–B–C♯

The 50s doo-wop progression ("Earth Angel", "Stand By Me").

vi–IV–I–V

D♯m–B–F♯–C♯

The same chords as I–V–vi–IV, starting on the relative minor. Sounds wistful where I–V–vi–IV sounds uplifting.

ii7–V7–Imaj7

G♯m7–C♯7–F♯maj7

The fundamental cadence of jazz harmony — m7 to dominant 7 to major 7.