F Major

The Chord of F Major is one of the trickiest to learn at first, but once you’ve cracked it you will progress alot faster. Like C it’s usually known as just F. Here’s how it is formed:

• Index finger across the first fret of all the strings.
• Middle finger just behind the second fret of the third string (G).
• Ring finger finger just behind the third fret on the fifth string
• The pinky finger just behind the third fret of the fouth string (D).

Strumming the F with the C

The great thing about the F Chord is it is the brother of the C Chord, meaning that they sound great together. Using the diagram below and the audio file, practice switching between them. Remember too keep the count as even as possible. It may help you to count out loud.

If you are just starting out you might first think that the change is impossible, but believe me it isn’t. Just keep practicing daily. If you get frustrated take a break. You will get there eventually; it’s just a matter of hard work. Once you get to the end of the pattern below, start over and keep repeating it until your fingers start bleeding or you get completely bored! These chords will come in handy later on. They are so widely used that learning them and a few others will open the possibility of playing thousands of songs.


F C
D D D D D D D D
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 1 + 2 + 3 + 4


This lesson teaches the most popular F Major chord shape. Every chord can be played in different positions on the fretboard, click here for more F Major diagrams.