F chord facts
| Chord | F (F major) |
|---|---|
| Other names | Fmaj, FM |
| Notes | F, A, C |
| Intervals | F (root), A (major 3rd), C (perfect 5th) |
| Formula | 1-3-5 |
| Difficulty | Intermediate (barre or stretch) |
| Shapes on this page | 3 |
How do you play F on guitar?
The main shape is x x 3 2 1 1 (Easy F (4 strings)). Finger by finger:
- Lay your index finger flat across the B to high e strings at fret 1. This is the barre.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the G string at fret 2 (A, the major 3rd).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the D string at fret 3 (F, the root).
- Don't play the low E and A strings: start your strum on the D string, or touch them lightly to mute.
- Strum, then pick each string one at a time and fix any string that buzzes or is silent.
This is a barre chord, so it takes a few weeks to sound clean. Keep the index finger straight and close to the fret wire, pull back gently with the arm rather than squeezing with the thumb, and check each string one at a time. The finger stretching exercises help with the reach.
What is the easiest way to play F?
The easier version is 1 0 3 2 1 x (Open position). It keeps the sound of F with less effort and no barre.
- Put your index finger (1) on the low E string at fret 1 (F, the root).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the B string at fret 1 (C, the perfect 5th).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the G string at fret 2 (A, the major 3rd).
- Put your pinky (4) on the D string at fret 3 (F, the root).
- Let the A (A) string ring open.
- Don't play the high e string: start your strum on the low E string, or touch it lightly to mute.
- Strum, then pick each string one at a time and fix any string that buzzes or is silent.
Another route is a capo: put it on a fret and play an open shape that sounds as F. The chord transposer and capo finder works out the shape for you.
What other ways can you play F?
- Full F barre (1st fret): 1 3 3 2 1 1. Barre at fret 1; movable, so the same shape works for other roots.
What notes are in the F chord?
F is a major triad: the root F, a major 3rd above it (A) and a perfect 5th above the root (C). The major 3rd (4 semitones) is what makes it sound major; lower it by one fret and you get Fm.
A major