Guitar arpeggio

F Major Guitar Arpeggio

F Major is a three-note arpeggio built from F, A, and C. It is also commonly called F Major Triad. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.

Chord tones
F, A, C
Formula
1 3 5
Semitones
0 4 7
Chord symbols
Fmaj, FM
Also called
F Major Triad

How to read this arpeggio

The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent F root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the F root notes and connect the remaining major chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called F Major Triad.

Chord construction and defining tones

3A
5C

F major combines 3 (A) and 5 (C). The major third establishes the major quality, and the perfect fifth completes the stable triad.

Harmonic use

Use this arpeggio to outline Fmaj and other major chords directly, especially when a line needs to land clearly on the chord rather than move through the full scale.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. Play the F Major arpeggio from one F root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
  2. Alternate between the root and 3 (A) and 5 (C), listening for how the third defines the chord more strongly than the fifth.
  3. Play short ascending and descending phrases over Fmaj, changing direction on a different chord tone each time.

Fretboard diagram

F Major Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
F Major Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

Start with F Major loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning