F# and E natural in a F minor key?

[casbonano]

Hi everyone. There is a particular song, “Que Lío”, by Hector Lavoe, that I’ just started learning. The song seems to be in F Minor, but the main bass line has an E natural and F# in it. At least, that’s what I am hearing when I play along wearing headphones.

Maybe my ear is just way off. If not, how do you refer to such a scale? I don’t know much theory but am trying to learn whenever the chance presents itself.

Thanks in advance.

 

[casbonano]

I’m hearing the main bassline as:

F G# G E
F G# Db F#

 

[SteveCS]

I’m hearing the main bassline as:

F G# G E
F G# Db F#

I don't know the tune but it might be worth starting you analysis over without any #. Remember the key signature for F minor is 4 flats...

F, Ab, G, E
- possibly F harmonic/melodic minor, where the Eb in the signature gets sharpened with a natural accidental to make a leading tone?
F, Ab, Db, Gb
- possibly the 'parallel' F Phrygian, which derives from Bb minor which has 5 flats in the signature and is, conveniently, a 4th away from F.

YMMV

 

[dadglasser]

Use the flat, Luke!

 

[EarnestTBass]

I would approach this song as follows:
The key signature is Ab. There are four flats, namely Bb Eb Ab and Db. The relative minor of Ab is Fm.

The intro is four bars:
| Fm Fm/Ab | G7 Edim | Fm Fm/Ab | Db Gb |

The bass plays these notes on the intro:
| F Ab | G E | F Ab | Db Gb |

The E natural is an accidental. The Edim creates a tonal shift out of the key.

The Gb is an accidental also. Here, the Gb is the root of a bVII chord, another tonal shift out of the key.

There is a lot going on with just a few notes.