F Minor Scale

The F minor scale is a natural minor scale based on the note F. Like all minor scales, it has a distinctive sound that is often described as darker or more somber compared to major scales.

The natural minor scale follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps:
Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole

Notes: F - G - Ab - Bb - C - Db - Eb - F
Key signature: 4 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db)

interval structure:

F to G = Whole step (2 semitones)
G to Ab = Half step (1 semitone)
Ab to Bb = Whole step (2 semitones)
Bb to C = Whole step (2 semitones)
C to Db = Half step (1 semitone)
Db to Eb = Whole step (2 semitones)
Eb to F = Whole step (2 semitones)

The F natural minor scale is the most basic form of the minor scale, there are other related forms of the F minor scale that are also important in music:

F Harmonic Minor: The harmonic minor scale raises the 7th degree of the natural minor scale by a half step. So, in the case of F harmonic minor, the Eb becomes E (natural).

F - G - Ab - Bb - C - Db - E - F
This gives the scale a distinct "Middle Eastern" or exotic sound due to the augmented 2nd interval between the Db and E.

F Melodic Minor: The melodic minor scale raises both the 6th and 7th degrees when ascending and returns to the natural minor when descending.

Ascending: F - G - Ab - Bb - C - D - E - F
Descending: F - Eb - Db - C - Bb - Ab - G - F
The ascending melodic minor scale has a "major-like" sound because it uses the raised 6th and 7th degrees, while the descending form is identical to the natural minor scale.

The F natural minor scale is often used in classical music, jazz, and many other genres.
In classical harmony, it is typically used as the tonic (home key) in minor keys, often accompanied by chords such as F minor (i), Bb major (III), C minor (v), etc.

The F harmonic minor and F melodic minor scales are used more frequently in music that needs a more exotic or dramatic sound, especially in situations where there is a need for dominant (V) to tonic (i) resolution (harmonic minor) or smooth melodic lines (melodic minor).

Fm is Relative Minor of G# Major Scale, G# Major is Relative Major of F minor.