F♯ major scale
The F♯ major scale, with its six sharps (F♯, G♯, A♯, C♯, D♯, E♯), is one of the more complex major scales. This scale is enharmonically equivalent to the G♭ major scale, though F♯ major is often preferred in sharp-based contexts for its more intuitive spelling.
The scale follows the major scale pattern: F♯ to G♯ (whole), G♯ to A♯ (whole), A♯ to B (half), B to C♯ (whole), C♯ to D♯ (whole), D♯ to E♯ (whole), and E♯ to F♯ (half). The six sharps create a distinctively bright and elevated sonority.
While less commonly used than its enharmonic equivalent G♭ major, F♯ major has been employed by composers seeking its unique sharp-based color. In practice, many musicians prefer to read this scale as G♭ major, as it's generally easier to read six flats than six sharps.
F♯ major scale details
Information and technical details of the scale.
- Category
- western
- Type
- Heptatonic (7 notes per octave)
- Intervals
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
- Formula
- 2-2-1-2-2-2-1
- Also known as
- F♯ Ionian scale, F♯ Ionian mode, F-sharp major scale
- Enharmonic equivalents
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the F♯ major scale. Or browse all piano scales.
F♯ harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
F♯ melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1
F♯ natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2