In this post we will look at the F Sharp Major Scale and how to play it in all positions on the guitar.
F Sharp Major has 6 sharps. The notes in the scale are:
F# – G# – A# – B – C# – D# – E#.
F sharp Major and G flat Major are really the same key, so it is handy to be able to relate to the same scale by using the two different names.
If you are interested in learning about modes and guitar scales, it should be pointed out that the F# Major scale is effectively the same scale as the F# ionian scale. For the purpose of the series of lessons on guitar modes, we are going to treat F# ionian and F# Major as an identical scale.
If you are unsure of what a Major scale or ionian mode is, click on the link to the lessons.
Let’s look at the 5 CAGED positions for the F# Major scale, as well as the open position.
F# Major Scale In The Open Position
Let’s firstly look at the F# Major scale in the open position.
F# Major Scale CAGED Positions
Here are the 5 CAGED positions for the F# Major scale on the guitar (notes and tabs).
F# Major Scale in the 1st Position (lowest fret is 1)
F# Major Scale in the 2nd Position (lowest fret is 2)
F# Major Scale in the 6th Position (lowest fret is 6)
F# Major Scale in the 7th Position (lowest fret is 7)
F# Major Scale in the 10th Position (lowest fret is 10)
So there we are. All the positions along the fretboard for the F# Major Scale.
How to Use the F# Major Scale
For the purpose of improvising, the F# Major scale can be used over the F# Major chord, the F# Major 7 chord, as well as other chords within the key of Gb Major.
Chords in the Key of F# Major
The key of F# Major contains the following chords (triads and 7th chords):
- F# Major/F# Major 7
- G# minor/G# minor 7
- A# minor/A# minor 7
- B Major/B Major 7
- C# Major/C# dominant 7
- D# minor/D# minor 7
- E# diminished/E# half diminished
Modes Of The F# Major Scale
There are 7 modes in the key of F#. We can produce these modes by playing the notes of the F# Major scale, while starting on different notes of the scale. For example, to play the G# dorian mode, we start on the note G# and then play the notes of the F# Major scale. To play the D# Aeolian mode, we start on D# and play through the notes of the F# Major scale.
Here are the 7 modes in the key of F# Major:
