How to Play an F Major Scale on Guitar

Learn to Play an F Major Scale on Classical Guitar

Let’s learn to play the F Major scale on guitar.

Note Names

Here are the note names of F Major:

• F
• G
• A
• Bb
• C
• D
• E
• F

Key Signature

F Major has one flat in the key signature: Bb. If youʻre playing in first position, remember to use a 1 on all B’s on the fifth string and a 3 on all B’s on the third string. That will mean you are playing Bb’s instead of B naturals.

One-octave F Major Scale starting from the fourth string

Our first scale is a one-octave scale starting on the fourth string in first position. We’ll start with our 3 finger on the third fret F of the fourth string. Play the scale with i-m alternation in the right hand.

One-octave F Major Scale starting from the sixth string

Now let’s do the same scale, but starting an octave lower on the sixth string. So we’ll get our first finger ready on the F on the first fret of the sixth string. We’ll play this whole scale with the right-hand thumb. (The “sim.” just means continue to play with the thumb.)

Two-octave F Major Scale

The two-octave Major simply combines the above two scales. So we’ll play all of the bass strings with the thumb and then use i-m alternation on the treble notes.

Three-octave F Major Scale

Finally, let’s learn to play this scale all the way up to the 13th fret! That’s what our three-octave scale does. There are several shifts so look for places where you need to shift up to a new position on the same string. Use i-m alternation or some other alternating pair with this scale.

The F Major Scale in Classical Guitar Repertoire

Anton Diabelli, Sonata in F Major

Kinkachoo, I Love You by Philip Houghton (technically in F Lydian)

Exercise No.10, Op.35 by Fernando Sor