What is F Major?
The F Major guitar chord is formed by the notes F – A – C and is played using the fingering 133211. It’s a major chord commonly used in C-Am-F-G.
F Major Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: 1th fret
5th (A) string: 3th fret
4th (D) string: 3th fret
3rd (G) string: 2th fret
2nd (B) string: 1th fret
1st (E) string: 1th fret
How to Play F Major
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram 133211.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
F Major Variations
F Major (Barre)
133211
Full barre chord - challenging but essential to master
F Major (Easy)
xx3211
Easier version using only 4 strings - good for beginners
Fmaj7
xx3210
Jazz-influenced major 7th chord with sophisticated sound
F Major (Capo 1st)
Use capo on 1st fret, play E major shape
Alternative approach using capo - sounds identical
Popular Songs Using F Major
Famous Examples:
- • Hey Jude
- • Someone Like You
- • Let Her Go
More Hits:
- • Perfect
- • Shallow
Common Chord Progressions with F Major
C-Am-F-G
The vi-IV-I-V progression - F provides the IV chord
F-C-G-Am
Starting on F major creates different emotional arc
F-Bb-C-F
I-IV-V-I in F major, common in pop and rock
Practice Tips for F Major
1. Barre Chord Technique
Use side of index finger, not the pad. Keep thumb behind neck, apply even pressure across all strings.
2. Build Finger Strength
Practice holding the barre for 30+ seconds. Your hand will get tired at first - this is normal.
3. Easy Version First
Start with the 4-string version (xx3211) before attempting the full barre.
4. Practice Daily
Barre chords require consistent practice. Even 5 minutes daily will show progress.
Common Substitutions for F Major
Chord Family: C Major
F Major functions as IV in the key of C Major.
Music Theory Behind F Major
Notes in F Major: F - A - C
Scale: F - G - A - Bb - C - D - E - F
Key Signature: 1 flat (Bb)
Relative Minor: D minor
F major is the first barre chord most guitarists learn. It's built from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the F major scale. Mastering this chord opens up the entire fretboard, as you can move this shape to any fret to play different major chords.
Master F Major Today!
F Major is a stepping stone to advanced playing. Take your time and practice regularly!