F# major has six sharps — F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, and E# — and sits six clockwise steps from C on the circle of fifths. It's enharmonically equivalent to G♭ major (six flats), so the choice between them is usually about what the surrounding music makes easiest to read.
Key signature
- 1.F#
- 2.C#
- 3.G#
- 4.D#
- 5.A#
- 6.E#
Added in the standard order of sharps.
Diatonic chords
The seven triads built on each scale degree. These are the chords you hear used most in F# major:
| Roman | Chord | Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | F# | major | F# · A# · C# |
| ii | G#m | minor | G# · B · D# |
| iii | A#m | minor | A# · C# · E# |
| IV | B | major | B · D# · F# |
| V | C# | major | C# · E# · G# |
| vi | D#m | minor | D# · F# · A# |
| vii° | E#° | diminished | E# · G# · B |
Common progressions
I–V–vi–IV in F# is F#–C#–D#m–B. The six-sharp signature is busy enough that composers often modulate through it rather than living there. F# major appears regularly in keyboard literature (Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier has a famous prelude and fugue in F# major) and in jazz standards transposed for vocalists.
Relative minor
The relative minor of F# major is D# minor — it shares the same key signature, just centred on the 6th degree of the F# major scale (D#). A piece can move between F# major and D# minor freely without any change of accidentals.
Common mistakes
The unusual sharp here is E# — not "F", but spelled E# because the scale must use every letter exactly once. Beginners write F instead of E# and end up with two F-named notes (F and F#) and no E. The same logic applies to the diatonic chord on the leading tone: it's spelled E# diminished, not F diminished.
Drill it
The Circle of Fifths trainer drills every key signature — F# major included — with timed flash cards and best-time tracking.
Open the Circle of Fifths Trainer →Or try today's Etudle puzzleFrequently asked
- How many sharps does F# major have?
- F# major has six sharps: F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, and E#.
- What are the notes in the F# major scale?
- F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E#.
- What is the relative minor of F# major?
- D# minor — same six-sharp key signature.
- What is the enharmonic equivalent of F# major?
- G♭ major (six flats). They sound identical; the choice is about notational convenience.