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

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 standard way to play the F minor chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.

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

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

To strum the F minor chord, use your pick or thumb to strum downward, hitting all six strings. Lift your fingers slightly off the fretboard after strumming to let the chord ring out.

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

Here's how to play an F minor barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the first fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the third (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the third fret of the fourth (D) string.
5. Strum from the sixth (low E) string down to the first (high E) string.

The F minor chord is often used in progressions that evoke feelings of sadness, melancholy, and introspection. Here are some common F minor chord progressions:

• i - iv - V - i (Fm - B♭m - C - Fm) Used in "Stairway to Heaven" and "Ain't No Sunshine"
• i - VI - III - VII (Fm - D♭ - A♭ - E♭) Used in "Killing Me Softly with His Song"
• i - iv - VII - III (Fm - B♭m - E♭ - A♭)
• i - VII - VI - V (Fm - E♭ - D♭ - C)
• i - iv - i - V (Fm - B♭m - Fm - C)

Mastering the F minor guitar chord can be achieved through focused drills. One effective exercise is to strum the chord repeatedly, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Concentrate on maintaining consistent pressure and accuracy.

Another beneficial drill involves transitioning smoothly between F minor and other chords, such as C major or Ab major. Practice switching chords in a steady rhythm, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable. With dedication and repetition, you'll soon find yourself playing the F minor chord with confidence and precision.

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

1. Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple (Fm, Ab, Db, C#)
2. Losing My Religion by R.E.M. (Fm, Am)
3. Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes (Fm, C#, B)
4. Creep by Radiohead (Fm, B, C#, Ab)
5. Hells Bells by AC/DC (Fm, Ab, Eb, Db)
6. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Fm, C, Ab, Eb)
7. Paranoid Android by Radiohead (Fm, Cm, Eb, Ab)
8. Lazy by Deep Purple (Fm, C#, Ab, Eb)
9. Scream by Avenged Sevenfold (Fm, C#, Db, B)
10. The Chain by Fleetwood Mac (Fm, C, Db, Ab)