Are you ready to master the F# guitar chord? You’ve landed in the perfect spot! This guide is designed to help you, especially if you’re just starting your guitar journey, to confidently play the F sharp chord.
What is an F# Chord?
The F# chord, also known as the F sharp major chord, is a fundamental chord in music. In the key of F#, it naturally takes its place as the major chord. While there are 12 musical keys, understanding the F# major chord is a significant step for any guitarist.
You might see this chord written in a few ways, all referring to the same thing:
- F# Chord
- F Sharp Guitar Chord
- F# Major
Essentially, if a chord symbol doesn’t specify “minor” or include a lowercase “m”, it’s understood to be a major chord. In this lesson, we’ll consistently refer to it as the F# Chord.
Common Ways to Play the F# Chord
There are several approaches to playing the F# chord on the guitar. Two of the most common and essential methods are based on barre chord techniques:
- F# Chord (E Barre Shape)
- F# Chord (A Barre Shape)
These are known as “barre chords” because they require you to use one finger to press down multiple strings at once across a fret. Barre chords can initially be challenging for beginners, but with practice, they unlock a world of chord possibilities up and down the guitar neck.
Let’s explore these shapes and some easier alternatives.
F# Chord (E Shape Barre)
This F# chord shape is called the “E shape” because its form is derived from the open E major chord.
If you’re unfamiliar with the open E chord, you can learn about it here: 4 Easy Ways To Play The E Chord On Guitar
(If you’re unsure how to read the diagram below, check out this guide: “How To Read Guitar Chordboxes In 60 Seconds”. It will clarify everything!)
- Barre your first finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret.
- Place your third finger on the 4th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your fourth finger on the 4th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your second finger on the 3rd fret of the G string (3rd string).
Barre chords do take practice, so don’t be discouraged if this F# chord doesn’t sound perfect right away. Keep practicing!
F# Barre Chord (A Shape)
This variation of the F# barre chord is known as the “A shape” because it’s rooted in the open A major chord shape.
Learn the open A chord here: 3 Easy Ways To Play The A Chord
Guitar chord diagram for F sharp A shape barre chord
- Barre your first finger across the strings from the A string (5th string) to the high E string (1st string) at the 9th fret.
- Place your second finger on the 11th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your third finger on the 11th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your fourth finger on the 11th fret of the B string (2nd string).
Barre chords can be tricky for beginners. To make learning the F sharp guitar chord easier, here are a couple more beginner-friendly versions.
1) F# Chord (3 Finger Version)
This simplified F# chord is excellent for beginners because:
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It only requires three fingers.
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It offers a pleasant sound, adding a nice texture to your playing, especially in band settings.
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It’s a movable shape, meaning you can slide it along the neck to create other chords.
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Place your third finger on the 11th fret of the G string (3rd string).
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Place your fourth finger on the 11th fret of the B string (2nd string).
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Place your first finger on the 9th fret of the high E string (1st string).
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Strum only from the G string downwards (strings 3, 2, and 1).
Once you’re comfortable with this shape, experiment by moving it up and down the fretboard. You can derive more than 11 different chords from this single shape!
2) F#7 Chord
The F#7 chord introduces a bluesy flavor to your playing. If you’re aiming for a Clapton-esque sound, this chord is a must-learn.
Diagram for F sharp 7th guitar chord shape
- Place your third finger on the 4th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your second finger on the 3rd fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your first finger on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string).
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve explored several ways to play the F# guitar chord, from barre chord shapes to simpler variations like the 3-finger F# and the bluesy F#7. Each of these versions offers a unique sound and level of difficulty, making the F# chord accessible for guitarists at every stage.
Keep practicing these shapes, and soon playing the F
