Back to Chord Library

F Major Chord

Chord Diagram

F major chord fingering diagram for guitar. Use your index finger to bar the first fret covering both the high E and B strings, middle finger on the second fret of the G string, ring finger on the third fret of the D string, and pinky on the third fret of the A string. The low E string is not played.341EADGBE

X = Don't play this string

O = Play open string

Numbers = Finger placement

Thick line = Barre (one finger across multiple strings)

Finger Positions

1st Finger (Index)

Barre across all strings at 1st fret

3rd Finger (Ring)

3rd fret of the A string (5th string)

4th Finger (Pinky)

3rd fret of the D string (4th string)

Challenge: F major is a barre chord and requires significant finger strength. Practice regularly and be patient with yourself!

F Chord Variations

F Major 7

Add jazzy flavor

131211

Fsus2

Open, airy sound

131311

Fsus4

Creates tension

131411

Common Progressions with F

F - C - G - Am

The vi-IV-I-V progression (relative to C major)

FCGAm

F - Bb - C

Classic 3-chord progression in F major

FBbC

F - Dm - Bb - C

Popular in folk and pop ballads

FDmBbC

Practice Tips for F Chord

Common Mistakes

  • • Not pressing the barre firmly enough
  • • Thumb placement too high on the neck
  • • Barre finger not close enough to the fret
  • • Giving up too quickly - it takes time!

Practice Exercises

  • • Practice just the barre first (1st finger only)
  • • Build up finger strength gradually
  • • Try mini-barre on just high strings first
  • • Practice F → C → G → Am progression

Popular Songs Using F Chord

Blackbird

The Beatles

Intermediate

Mad World

Gary Jules

Intermediate

Hallelujah

Leonard Cohen

Intermediate

House of the Rising Sun

The Animals

Intermediate

Creep

Radiohead

Intermediate

Torn

Natalie Imbruglia

Intermediate
← Esus4 ChordAll ChordsF5 Chord →