Squeezebox StudioF major on a G/C melodeon
F major uses F, G, A, B♭, C, D and E. On a G/C there is one complete octave, from F4 to F5.
From F4 to F5
Every note of this octave is on the C row, so you can play it without leaving the row. That takes six changes of bellows going up.
Crossing the rows cuts that to four changes of bellows, at the cost of two moves between rows:
| Note | Buttons |
|---|---|
| F4 | 4′ pull |
| G4 | 6 push, 5′ push |
| A4 | 7 pull, 5′ pull |
| B♭4 | 1′ push (accidental) |
| C5 | 8 pull, 6′ push |
| D5 | 8 push, 7′ pull |
| E5 | 9 pull, 7′ push |
| F5 | 8′ pull |
Above and below
From F3 the scale is incomplete: this box has no F3 or B♭3. Tunes that go that far down will need a different note there, or a different key.
From F5 the scale is incomplete: this box has no B♭5 or F6. Tunes that go that far up will need a different note there, or a different key.
Tab is only the start
A scale shows where the notes are, but a tune rarely runs straight up the octave. Whether you play a note on the push or the pull depends on the notes either side of it, the rhythm, and whether you play along the rows or across them. Along or across the rows explains the difference.
Same notes, different home: D minor, G Dorian, C Mixolydian.
F major on other boxes: B/C button accordion.
Other keys on a G/C: G major, C major, E minor, A minor, B minor, D minor, A Dorian, D Dorian, G Dorian, D Mixolydian, A Mixolydian, G Mixolydian, C Mixolydian. Or see every key compared and the G/C button chart.