Using the F# major scale, we stack thirds to create the seven diatonic chords. Here’s the family with Roman numerals:
I: F# major (F#) - F#, A#, C#
(Tonic chord, the "home" base)
ii: G# minor (G#m) - G#, B, D#
(Minor chord, subtle and smooth)
iii: A# minor (A#m) - A#, C#, E#
(Another minor chord, slightly tense)
IV: B major (B) - B, D#, F#
(Subdominant, bright and stable)
V: C# major (C#) - C#, E#, G#
(Dominant chord, pulls strongly back to F#)
vi: D# minor (D#m) - D#, F#, A#
(Relative minor, moody and introspective)
vii°: E# diminished (E#dim) - E#, G#, B
(Diminished chord, tense and leading)
. How Are These Chords Used?
F# (I): The tonal center, where the progression begins or resolves.
B (IV) and C# (V): Classic major-key pairing for building momentum and resolution (e.g., I-IV-V-I).
G#m (ii), A#m (iii), and D#m (vi): Minor chords that add emotional depth or contrast.
E#dim (vii°): A tense chord often used to lead into F# or other chords.
A common progression in F# major might be:
F# - B - C# - F# (I - IV - V - I), a bright and conclusive loop.
Or try: F# - D#m - B - C# (I - vi - IV - V) for a more emotional feel.
Practical Example (Guitar/Piano)
F#: F#-A#-C#
(Guitar: Barre chord at 2nd fret, E major shape)
B: B-D#-F#
(Guitar: Barre at 2nd fret, A major shape)
C#: C#-E#-G#
(Guitar: Barre at 4th fret, A major shape)
D#m: D#-F#-A#
(Guitar: Barre at 6th fret, Em shape)
These chords can feel tricky on guitar due to the sharps, but they sound rich once mastered!
F# major is rare in popular music but appears in classical works and some modern genres (e.g., metal or prog rock).
Its brightness comes from the high number of sharps, giving it a sparkling, almost ethereal quality.