All 5 ways to play F on guitar
-
133211 at the 1st fret -
10321x open position -
xx3565 at the 3rd fret -
x87565 at the 5th fret -
x-8-10-10-10-8 at the 8th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play F on guitar
Main shape: 133211 (at the 1st fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the low E (6th) to the high E (1st) string at the 1st fret (a barre).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 3rd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Strum all 6 strings.
F notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| F | 1 | root |
| A | 3 | major 3rd |
| C | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: F/A (1st inversion) and F/C (2nd inversion).
F on piano and ukulele
-
F on piano F – A – C -
F on ukulele 2010
Which keys use F?
F is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | F | IV | predominant |
| A minor | F | VI | tonic or predominant |
| F major | F | I | tonic |
| D minor | F | III | tonic |
| B♭ major | F | V | dominant |
| G minor | F | VII | dominant |
| B♭ minor | F | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with F
- I–IV–V–I in C major: C – F – G – C The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in C major: C – G – Am – F The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in C major: Am – F – C – G The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in C major: C – Am – F – G The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in C major: C – F – Am – G The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.