26 - 2 in F

John Coltrane(1960)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
E7/B
E7/B

Chord Diagrams — 26 - 2 in F (Guitar)

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26 - 2 in F

Key of F

F major is the gateway to barre chords. While F itself requires a full barre at fret 1, the remaining diatonic chords (C, Dm, Am, G, Bb) mix open and barre shapes. The open high E acts as Fmaj7's seventh, adding unexpected richness. F is a intermediate-level key on guitar because the open high E string is the major seventh of F, creating a lush Fmaj7 resonance even in basic shapes, but the F barre chord itself is the first big hurdle for beginners. This key mixes open and barre shapes, making it a good intermediate challenge that builds fretboard fluency.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through G# to F (descending minor third), F to E (descending half step), E to C# (descending minor third), C# to C (descending half step), C to A (descending minor third), A to F (descending major third), F to C (descending perfect fourth), C to C# (ascending half step), C# to A# (descending minor third), A# to A (descending half step), A to F# (descending minor third), F# to G (ascending half step), G to D (descending perfect fourth), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to C (ascending perfect fourth), C to E (ascending major third), E to E (ascending unison), E to D (descending whole step), D to D# (ascending half step). A half-step bass movement creates a strong leading-tone pull that demands resolution. The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from D# to G# by perfect fourth.

Scales for Improvisation

F major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, F Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.

swing4/4 · 33 bars · Form: A

Chords: G♯7, F, E7, C♯, C7, A, F7, Cm7, C♯7, A♯, A7, F♯, G7, Dm, Gm, Cm, E7/B, Em, D, D♯m.

Scales for Improvisation F bebop, F bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of F