F# major · Piano
F# Chord on Piano
The F# chord (F# major) is built from the notes F#, A# and C#. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Gb; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Notes in this chord
- F♯
- A♯
- C♯
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5
Also written: Gb
How to play
To play F# on piano, press F#, A# and C# together. In root position the lowest note is F#, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.
Theory behind the chord
Major chords sound bright and settled. They are built from a root, a major third and a perfect fifth, and they carry most of the resolution points in pop, rock and folk. On F# this structure sits on the root F#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 map onto F#, A# and C#. F# is the I chord in the key of F# major, the V chord in C# major and the IV chord in B major. Its relative minor is D#m, which shares the same set of notes. The most common progression it appears in is F# – D#m – B – C#.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the F# chord?
- F# contains the notes F#, A# and C#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5.
- Are F# and Gb the same chord?
- Yes. F# and Gb are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.
Practise F# on your phone
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