🎵 Learn to Play Recorder
Lesson 23: Key of F Major
  • Master the F major scale (one flat: Bb)
  • Understand flat key signatures
  • Develop fluency reading music with flats
  • Play Renaissance and folk melodies in F major

Introduction

After exploring sharp keys, let's venture into flat keys! F major has one flat (Bb) and offers a warm, mellow sound perfect for pastoral melodies and Renaissance dances.

F Major Scale

F major has one flat: Bb. The key signature shows this at the beginning of each staff.

Notice the Bb creates the major scale pattern from F.

Pattern: W-W-H-W-W-W-H (same as all major scales)

Understanding Flat Key Signatures

While sharp keys add sharps in order (F#, C#, G#...), flat keys add flats in order: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb

  • C major: no flats
  • F major: one flat (Bb)
  • Bb major: two flats (Bb, Eb)
  • Eb major: three flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)

The F major chord (F-A-C) forms the harmonic foundation.

Scale Pattern Exercises

Move smoothly through the F major scale.

Skip through the scale in thirds for finger coordination.

Melody: Scarborough Fair (F Major)

This English folk ballad works beautifully in F major's warm tonality.

"Are you going to Scarborough Fair..."

Reading in F Major

Key Signature Reminder: The flat (Bb) appears on the B-line of the staff. This means:

  • Every B is played as Bb automatically
  • Unless you see a natural sign (♮) which cancels the flat
  • Or unless you see a sharp (♯) which raises it to B natural or B#

A beloved American tune that fits naturally in F major.

"'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free..."

Relative Minor: D Minor

F major's relative minor is D minor (same key signature: one flat).

Same notes as F major, but starting from D creates a minor sound.

Historical Context

F major is associated with:

  • Pastoral themes (countryside, nature)
  • Renaissance consort music
  • Folk songs and hymns
  • A warm, gentle character

Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)

  1. F major scale (two octaves) - 5 minutes
  2. F major arpeggio and thirds - 5 minutes
  3. Scale pattern exercises - 5 minutes
  4. Scarborough Fair and Simple Gifts - 10 minutes
Memorization Tip: The order of flats is: Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Cb-Fb. Notice it's the reverse of the sharp order! A helpful mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father.
Mastery goal: Play the F major scale fluently in two octaves. Automatically recognize and play Bb when reading music in F major. Understand the relationship between F major and its relative minor (D minor). Be comfortable reading and playing simple melodies in F major.
Next: Lesson 24 - Key of A Major