F# Major Chord on Guitar
F# (F# major) is made of the notes F# – A# – C#. The easiest guitar fingering is 244322 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play F#
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 2 (F#).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4 (C#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4 (F#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3 (A#).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (C#).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 2 (F#).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 2 | F# | R |
| 5th string (A) | 4 | C# | 5 |
| 4th string (D) | 4 | F# | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 3 | A# | 3 |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | C# | 5 |
| 1st string (high e) | 2 | F# | R |
What is a F# major chord?
A major chord is a triad built from the root, a major third and a perfect fifth. It is the basic "happy" chord and the first shape most guitarists learn.
Notes and formula. F# contains F#, A#, C#. Counted from the root F#, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th). It is also written Gb; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Bright, stable and resolved. Major chords feel like home base in a major key.
Where it is used. Major chords carry the verse and chorus of most pop, rock, folk and country songs. In any major key the I, IV and V chords are major.
Tips for playing F#
Strum the chord slowly and listen to every string. A single muted or buzzing string is the most common reason a chord sounds "off", so press close to the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret.
Common mistake: Letting a fretting finger lean on the neighbouring string and silence it. Arch your fingers so only the tips touch the strings.
Keys that contain F#
F# is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
- C# major – IV chord
- F# major – I chord
- B major – V chord
- Bb minor – VI chord
- Eb minor – III chord
- Ab minor – VII chord
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over F#
Related chords
F# chord FAQ
What notes are in a F# chord?
F# (F# major) contains the notes F#, A#, C#. The formula is R–3–5 relative to the root F#.
How do you play F# on guitar?
The most common shape for F# is 244322, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is F# an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is F# the same as Gb?
Yes. F# and Gb are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so F# and Gb sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Which keys contain F#?
F# is a diatonic chord in C# major (IV), F# major (I), B major (V), Bb minor (VI), Eb minor (III), Ab minor (VII).
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