How to play the F chord on Guitar?

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The F chord is one of the most difficult chords to master in the initial phase as a Guitarist. But mastering this chord shape will let you play all the major and minor chords across the entire neck of the Guitar. This one chord shape alone can let you play thousands of songs in any language. Compared to open chords it may take a little more time to master, but this one chord differentiates from an absolute beginner to a good beginner level guitarist.

The F chord is ideally played as a barre chord. The word barre means you use one finger to press 4 or more strings together at one time. The F chord consists of 3 notes – F, A and C.

Playing the F major chord in 4 simple steps

Take a look at the F chord shape. You will be able to see the first finger being used to barre. So let us learn to play F major chord in 4 simple steps.

Step 1 : Place the 1st or index finger across the entire 1st fret. Don’t press to hard nor place it soft, just a firm level of pressure.

Step 2 : Place the 2nd or middle finger in 2nd fret of 3rd string (G string)

Step 3 : Place the 3rd or ring finger in the 3rd fret of 5th string (A string)

Step 4: Place the 4th or pinky finger in 3rd fret of 4th string (D string)

Now play all the six strings together in one stroke and that is the F chord for you. In all probability you must hear a muted sound. Please don’t worry. Even all the professional guitarist has to go through this phase. Pluck slowly one string after the other. Whichever note is not coming clear, you may want to adjust the finger position so that the sound comes clearly.

At the cost of repetition, it takes time to master this chord. So please make sure you spend sufficient amount of time to practise the chord. Remember the phrase – ‘No pain, No gain’. Once you have mastered this chord you will then feel all the pain is worth it and sometimes wonder why does anyone say it is difficult to play a F chord.

Alternative method to play F chord

You can also play another method, relatively little easier than the method discussed above..

Step 1 : Place your 1st or index finger in 1st fret pressing both 1st (E string) and 2nd (B string) together firmly.

Step 2 : Place the 2nd or middle finger in 2nd fret of 3rd string (G string)

Step 3 : Place the 3rd or ring finger in the 3rd fret of 4th string (D string)

Step 4: Place the 4th or pinky finger in 3rd fret of 5th string (A string)

Now play the bottom 5 strings i.e starting from 5th string ( A string) and that is the F chord for you. Make sure you don’t play the 6th string (E string) as the E note is not a part of F chord.

Important points to remember while playing F major Guitar chord

Don’t put lot of pressure or keep it soft when you ‘barre’ using your first finger, just the right amount of pressure. With practise, eventually be able to figure the amount of pressure you have to exert in first finger, for barring the fret.

You will have to arch or bend your 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers so that you don’t touch the other things. In case you touch the other fingers, then you will mute the strings and the notes from the muted strings will not clear as it will produce a ‘buzzy’ sound.

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Check the following links to learn the beginner chords.