F chord on guitar
F (F major) is a major chord built on F. It has 3 notes, F, A and C, and its formula is 1 3 5.
Notes and intervals of F
From the root upwards, F contains root (F), major 3rd (A) and perfect 5th (C). Those intervals give the chord its colour: the formula 1 3 5 works the same way in every key, so once you know it for F you can build the chord on any note.
| Degree | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | root | F |
| 3 | major 3rd | A |
| 5 | perfect 5th | C |
How to play F on guitar
The first shape above reads 1 3 3 2 1 1 from the low E string to the high E string (x means you do not play that string, 0 is an open string). The lowest note you play is F. The other diagrams show the same chord higher up the neck: pick the one closest to the chords before and after it in your song.
This is a barre or movable shape: keep your index finger straight and close to the fret, and press with the side of the finger rather than the flat pad.
Which keys use F?
You find F as a diatonic chord in F major (I), B flat major (V) and C major (IV). The most common case is F major, where it plays the role of I.
Scales to play over F
To improvise over F, start with F major scale. All of these scales contain every note of the chord: F major scale, F major pentatonic scale, F Lydian mode and F Mixolydian mode. Aim for the chord notes on strong beats and use the other notes to move between them.
About major chords
The major chord is the brightest and most stable sound in tonal music: root, major third and perfect fifth (1 3 5). The major third, four semitones above the root, gives it its open, confident character. It is the basic triad every other chord is measured against, and a song that ends on it sounds like it has come home.
Every style uses it, from folk to metal. In a major key the major chords are I, IV and V, enough for thousands of songs: I IV V I, the I V vi IV pop loop, the 12-bar blues. In a minor key they sit on ♭III, ♭VI and ♭VII, and V is often made major for a stronger cadence.
Learn the open shapes first (C, A, G, E, D), then the two movable barre shapes: the E-shape with its root on the 6th string and the A-shape with its root on the 5th string. Between them you can play any major chord anywhere on the neck. In rock, a power chord (root and fifth only) often stands in for it.
The classic slip is a minor third played by accident: one fret or one key lower and the mood flips. On guitar, check that the third is not muted under a finger. And a power chord (for example C5) is not a major chord: with no third it is neither major nor minor.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the F chord?
F (F major) contains F, A and C. In intervals: root (F), major 3rd (A) and perfect 5th (C).
How do you play F on guitar?
The easiest shape is 1 3 3 2 1 1, from the low E string to the high E string. This page shows 3 positions with finger numbers.
What scale goes with F?
F major scale fits F best. Other scales that contain all its notes: F major pentatonic scale, F Lydian mode and F Mixolydian mode.
What key is F in?
F belongs to F major (I), B flat major (V) and C major (IV). In F major it is the I chord.
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