A Sunbonnet Blue in F

Sammy Fain / Irviung Kahal(1937)ballad

A Sunbonnet Blue 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 C to F (ascending perfect fourth), F to A (ascending major third), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to D (ascending unison), D to A# (descending major third), A# to G (descending minor third), G to G (ascending unison), G to G (ascending unison), G to E (descending minor third), E to D (descending whole step), D to A (descending perfect fourth), A to D (ascending perfect fourth), D to C (descending whole step). 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 C to C by unison.

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.

ballad4/4 · 27 bars · Form: AB

Chords: C7, F, A7, Dm, D7, A♯, Gm, G7, Gm7, E7, Dm6, Am, Dm7, C.

Scales for Improvisation F bebop, F bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of F