F Chord

Learn how to play the F chord on guitar, from barre shapes to finger positions, and how it fits into songs in major and minor.

How to Play F Chord on Guitar

F chord comes from the F major scale: F, G, A, Bb, C, D, and E. The major version uses the 1st (F), 3rd (A), and 5th (C) notes. To play F minor, the 3rd becomes Ab.

F major is often played as a full barre chord starting on the 1st fret. You press down all six strings with your index finger and form an E major shape with your other fingers. It can be hard for beginners at first, but it sounds very full.

There's also a small version of F major that uses just the top three or four strings. This one is easier to play but still sounds nice, especially on acoustic guitar.

The F minor chord is also played as a barre chord. It uses the same shape as E minor but with your index finger covering the 1st fret. It has a sad, darker sound.