Chords › F major
F Major Chord on Guitar
- F
- F · A · C
- Barre at fret 1
E-shape barre. The 1st fret needs the most pressure on the whole neck. Keep your thumb low behind the neck and pull back gently with your arm instead of squeezing.
Easy F, four strings. The index finger only covers the top two strings, so it is a small barre rather than a full one. Strum strings 4 to 1.
The F major chord, or F, is the chord beginners find hardest: the full shape is a barre at the 1st fret. Smaller versions work while you build up to it.
How to play F, finger by finger
- Lay your index finger flat across strings 6 to 1 at the 1st fret.
- Put your middle finger on string 3 at the 2nd fret.
- Put your ring finger on string 5 at the 3rd fret.
- Put your pinky finger on string 4 at the 3rd fret.
- Strum all six strings.
Easy F for beginners
The index finger only covers the top two strings, so it is a small barre rather than a full one. Strum strings 4 to 1.
More ways to play F
Two fingers and three strings. It is thin, but it is F.
Notes in F major
| Note | Interval | Role |
|---|---|---|
| F | 1 | root |
| A | 3 | major third |
| C | 5 | fifth |
Formula: 1 – 3 – 5
Questions about F
How can I play F without a barre?
Play the four-string F: index finger across strings 2 and 1 at the 1st fret, middle on string 3, ring on string 4, 3rd fret. Or play only strings 3 to 1 with two fingers.
Can I play Fmaj7 instead of F?
Fmaj7 (xx3210) is easier and is used in many songs, but it adds an E, so it sounds softer than F. It works best where the melody allows it.
Related chords
Often played with F
Other major chords