F# minor Chord on Guitar - how to play with easy finger positions (2024)

How to play

Unleash the somber tones of "Stairway to Heaven" and "Creep" with this essential chord.

The F# minor chordFinger placement for F# minor chordHow to play an easy F# minor chord on guitarHow to play a F# minor bar chordCommon F# minor chord progressionsDrills to master the F# minor chordSongs that feature the F# minor chordHow a guitar teacher can help

The F#m chord

The F#m chord, pronounced "F sharp minor," is a haunting and introspective chord that adds depth to many musical genres. Commonly used in rock, folk, and indie music, the F#m chord creates a melancholic atmosphere. Notable songs featuring this chord include "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Blackbird" by The Beatles. Mastering the F#m chord is essential for guitarists looking to expand their emotional range.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common F# minor chord. We've also included other versions below.

F# minor Chord on Guitar - how to play with easy finger positions (1)

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Finger placement for F#m chord

The most common way to play the F# minor chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 2nd fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a F# minor chord on your guitar:

  1. Use your index finger to barre all six strings at the 2nd fret.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 5th (A) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to play down across all six strings. Make sure to apply firm pressure with your index finger to properly barre the strings.

F# minor Chord on Guitar - how to play with easy finger positions (2)

How to play an easy F#m chord on guitar

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F# minor chord, try playing a basic triad shape on the 9th fret. Place your index finger on the 4th string, middle finger on the 3rd string, and ring finger on the 2nd string, all at the 9th fret. Strum only these three strings.

How to play a F#m bar chord

The F# minor barre chord is a great alternative to the standard F#m chord shape, as it allows for easier transitions and a fuller sound.

Here's how to play a F# minor barre chord:

  1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret, creating a barre.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  5. Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

Common F#m chord progressions

The F# minor chord is often used in progressions that convey a sense of melancholy, introspection, and emotional depth. Here are some common F# minor chord progressions:

  • i - iv - i (F#m - Bm - F#m)
  • i - iv - v - i (F#m - Bm - C#m - F#m)
  • i - VI - III - VII (F#m - D - A - E) Used in "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin
  • i - VII - VI - VII (F#m - E - D - E)
  • i - v - VI - III (F#m - C#m - D - A)

Drills to master the F#m chord

To master the F# minor guitar chord, try playing the chord progression F#m-A-C#m-F#m repeatedly. Focus on smooth transitions between each chord, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Practice this drill for a few minutes daily, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable.

Another effective drill is to play the F# minor chord as an arpeggio, plucking each note individually in ascending and descending order. This exercise helps develop finger dexterity and muscle memory, making it easier to play the chord in various musical contexts.

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Songs that feature the F#m chord

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F# minor chord.

  1. Lose Yourself by Eminem (F#m, D#m, E, C#m)
  2. Pyramid Song by Radiohead (F#m, A, E)
  3. Joga by Björk (F#m, D#m, A#m, C#)
  4. Love Is Blindness by U2 (F#m, D, A, E)
  5. Teardrop by Massive Attack (F#m, A, D, E)
  6. Exit Music (For a Film) by Radiohead (F#m, A, E)
  7. Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye (F#m, Dm, Dm/F, F)
  8. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer (F#m, D, A)
  9. Ava Adore by The Smashing Pumpkins (F#m, E, D, A)
  10. Decode by Paramore (F#m, D#m, E, C#m)

How a guitar teacher can help

If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.

You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.

View minor chords by root note

C minorHow to play the C minor chord on Guitar
C# minorHow to play the C# minor chord on Guitar
D minorHow to play the D minor chord on Guitar
Eb minorHow to play the Eb minor chord on Guitar
E minorHow to play the E minor chord on Guitar
E minor over BHow to play the E minor over B chord on Guitar
E minor over C#How to play the E minor over C# chord on Guitar
E minor over DHow to play the E minor over D chord on Guitar
E minor over D#How to play the E minor over D# chord on Guitar
E minor over FHow to play the E minor over F chord on Guitar
E minor over F#How to play the E minor over F# chord on Guitar
E minor over GHow to play the E minor over G chord on Guitar
E minor over G#How to play the E minor over G# chord on Guitar
F minorHow to play the F minor chord on Guitar
F minor over CHow to play the F minor over C chord on Guitar
G minorHow to play the G minor chord on Guitar
Ab minorHow to play the Ab minor chord on Guitar
A minorHow to play the A minor chord on Guitar
A minor over CHow to play the A minor over C chord on Guitar
A minor over EHow to play the A minor over E chord on Guitar
A minor over FHow to play the A minor over F chord on Guitar
A minor over F#How to play the A minor over F# chord on Guitar
A minor over GHow to play the A minor over G chord on Guitar
A minor over G#How to play the A minor over G# chord on Guitar
Bb minorHow to play the Bb minor chord on Guitar
B minorHow to play the B minor chord on Guitar

View F# chord alterations

F# majorHow to play the F# major chord on Guitar
F#dimHow to play the F#dim chord on Guitar
F#dim7How to play the F#dim7 chord on Guitar
F#sus2How to play the F#sus2 chord on Guitar
F#sus4How to play the F#sus4 chord on Guitar
F#7sus4How to play the F#7sus4 chord on Guitar
F#augHow to play the F#aug chord on Guitar
F#6How to play the F#6 chord on Guitar
F#69How to play the F#69 chord on Guitar
F#7How to play the F#7 chord on Guitar
F#9How to play the F#9 chord on Guitar
F#7b9How to play the F#7b9 chord on Guitar
F#7#9How to play the F#7#9 chord on Guitar
F#11How to play the F#11 chord on Guitar
F#13How to play the F#13 chord on Guitar
F#maj7How to play the F#maj7 chord on Guitar
F#maj7#5How to play the F#maj7#5 chord on Guitar
F#maj9How to play the F#maj9 chord on Guitar
F#maj13How to play the F#maj13 chord on Guitar
F#m6How to play the F#m6 chord on Guitar
F#m7How to play the F#m7 chord on Guitar
F#m7b5How to play the F#m7b5 chord on Guitar
F#m9How to play the F#m9 chord on Guitar
F#m11How to play the F#m11 chord on Guitar

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F# minor Chord on Guitar - how to play with easy finger positions (2024)
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