F Chord on Guitar
Notes F A C. Start with the easy 4-string F (x x 3 2 1 1): index flat across strings 2 and 1 at fret 1, middle on string 3 fret 2, ring on string 4 fret 3; no full barre.
Chord · F major
Easy F (4 strings) · x x 3 2 1 1
movable, no open strings
F with thumb (no barre) · 1 x 3 2 1 1
movable, no open strings
E-shape barre (fret 1) · 1 3 3 2 1 1
barre, movable
D-shape, 4 strings (fret 3) · x x 3 5 6 5
movable, no open strings
A-shape barre (fret 8) · x 8 10 10 10 8
barre, movable
1 F3 A5 C
- Barre: index finger flat across strings 2 to 1 at fret 1
- String 6 (low E): muted, do not play
- String 5 (A): muted, do not play
- String 4 (D): ring (3), fret 3
- String 3 (G): middle (2), fret 2
- String 2 (B): index (1), fret 1
- String 1 (high e): index (1), fret 1
- Barre: index finger flat across strings 2 to 1 at fret 1
- String 6 (low E): thumb (T), fret 1
- String 5 (A): muted, do not play
- String 4 (D): ring (3), fret 3
- String 3 (G): middle (2), fret 2
- String 2 (B): index (1), fret 1
- String 1 (high e): index (1), fret 1
- Thumb wraps over the neck on string 6 (T).
- Barre: index finger flat across strings 6 to 1 at fret 1
- String 6 (low E): index (1), fret 1
- String 5 (A): ring (3), fret 3
- String 4 (D): pinky (4), fret 3
- String 3 (G): middle (2), fret 2
- String 2 (B): index (1), fret 1
- String 1 (high e): index (1), fret 1
- String 6 (low E): muted, do not play
- String 5 (A): muted, do not play
- String 4 (D): index (1), fret 3
- String 3 (G): middle (2), fret 5
- String 2 (B): pinky (4), fret 6
- String 1 (high e): ring (3), fret 5
- Barre: index finger flat across strings 5 to 1 at fret 8
- String 6 (low E): muted, do not play
- String 5 (A): index (1), fret 8
- String 4 (D): ring (3), fret 10
- String 3 (G): ring (3), fret 10
- String 2 (B): ring (3), fret 10
- String 1 (high e): index (1), fret 8
Notes and formula
| Degree | Note | Interval from F |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | root |
| 3 | A | major 3rd |
| 5 | C | perfect 5th |
Formula 1 3 5 (major).
Also written F major.
More on this chord type: Barre chords
Capo shapes that sound as F
Open shapes you may already know, moved up with a capo.
E shape + capo 1
D shape + capo 3
C shape + capo 5
Need the capo fret for a whole song? Capo calculator: any song key, any shapes. New to the capo? How to use a capo.
Easier stand-in
Fmaj7
Same three fingers as the easy F with the high e left open. That open E makes it Fmaj7 (F A C E); in many folk and pop songs where F is the IV chord of C the swap goes unnoticed.
Progressions with F
| Key · progression | Chords | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| F major I–V–vi–IV | F – C – Dm – B♭ | |
| F major I–vi–IV–V | F – Dm – B♭ – C | |
| B♭ major I–IV–V–I | B♭ – E♭ – F – B♭ | |
| B♭ major vi–IV–I–V | Gm – E♭ – B♭ – F | |
| A minor i–VI–III–VII | Am – F – C – G |
Keys that contain F
| Key | F is the |
|---|---|
| F major | I |
| B♭ major | V |
| C major | IV |
| A minor | VI |
| D minor | III |
| G minor | VII |
Minor keys here use the natural minor scale.
Playing F: what goes wrong
Buzzing B string
The index finger crease lands on string 2. Roll the finger slightly toward the headstock so the harder edge presses the string, and keep it right behind the fret wire.
Muted high e
The underside of the middle finger touches string 1. Arch the knuckles and bring the thumb lower on the back of the neck so the fingers come down on their tips.
Squeezing too hard
Pressure beyond the point where the note rings only tires the hand. Press until it is clean, then ease off until it buzzes, then add a little back.
Related chords
Learn and practise F
- Metronomepractise the change to F at 60 BPM
- How to read chord chartsstrings, frets, fingers, x and o
- Chord finder (chord namer)name any other shape you find
FAQ
What notes are in F?
F, A, C: the 1, 3, 5 of the F major chord.
What is the easiest way to play F on guitar?
Play the 4-string easy F: index finger flat across strings 1 and 2 at fret 1, middle finger on string 3 fret 2, ring finger on string 4 fret 3. Do not play strings 5 and 6.
Can I play Fmaj7 instead of F?
Often, yes. Fmaj7 adds an E on the open high string. It works in many folk and pop songs where F is the IV chord in C; where the melody sits on F it clashes, so check by ear.