F#m Chord, How to Play F Sharp Minor on Guitar - Music Grotto (2024)

Many songs utilize the F sharp minor guitar chord, which belongs in E, A, or D major. You typically play F#m in an Em or Am barre shape, but you can play one version without barring. Let’s check out some of the most common ways to play F#m.

What Is the F Sharp Minor Guitar Chord?

F Sharp Minor, or F#m, is a popular note in many classic songs. The “#” represents the word “sharp,” and the “m” denotes “minor.” You may also find this chord written as “F# minor” or “F# minor chord.”

F#m contains three notes: F#, A, and C#.

F# is the root note, A is the flat or lowered third, and C# is the fifth interval. Played together, these notes create the unique sound that defines F#m.

Easiest Method For The Chord

We will first cover the easiest way to play the F sharp minor guitar chord. You will place three fingers at the second fret, and you won’t have to barre the strings. You set your first finger at the sixth (E) string. The second finger goes on the fourth (D) string and the third finger on the third (G) string. The first, second, and fifth strings remain open.

F#m is somewhat similar to an open position A Major, one of the best chords for beginners to learn. It works well for beginners because you do not have to skip any strings when playing.

Three Finger F#m

For the beginning guitar player just learning, learning to play this chord proves invaluable. It will build finger dexterity and only requires three fingers.

You place your ring finger at the eleventh fret of the third (G) string. Your middle finger goes on the tenth fret of the second (B) string. Lastly, your index finger touches the ninth fret of the first (high E) string. You strum from the third (G) string.

Also Try: The E Guitar Chord

Four Finger F#m

For the intermediate guitarist who wants a full-bodied chord, consider learning this version of F#m.

Your ring finger goes on the seventh fret of the fourth (D) string, and your middle finger touches the sixth fret of the third (G) string. You place your pinky finger on the seventh fret of the second (B) string. Lastly, you put your index finger on the fifth fret of the first (high E) string.

Second Position F Sharp Minor Guitar Chord

Another way to play F#m involves barring your index finger.

You put your index finger on the second fret of the third to the first strings (G, B, and E). Then, place your ring finger on the fourth fret of the fourth (D) string. To play the chord, you strum four strings down from the fourth (D) string for a delicate rendition of F#m. Avoid playing the lowest two strings.

While skipping strings isn’t the easiest for beginners, don’t worry! There are still tons you can do on the guitar even when you’re first starting. Master your fundamentals such as playing the easy chords, holding your pick properly (and, really, holding the actual guitar properly, too), before worrying about some more advanced chords!

Em Barre Shape

This method of playing F#m resembles the E minor guitar chord shape, giving it the name “Em Barre Shape.” Its root note lies on the low E (sixth) string.

To play it, barre your index finger over all of the strings on the second fret. Place the ring finger on the fourth fret of the fifth (A) string. Then, place your pinky finger on the fourth fret of the fourth (D) string.

Before barring, make sure you understand guitar notes and their basics to ensure your readiness for more advanced techniques.

Maybe try another chord with a barre, such as C minor, before trying this more advanced barre.

Am Barre Shape

The final technique to play the F Sharp Minor guitar chord comes from the A Minor chord. It uses the Am shape to produce the F#m sound.

To play this barre chord, place your index finger at the ninth fret and barre it from the fifth, or A, string to the first string, or high E. Place your ring finger at the eleventh fret of the fourth (D) string and your pinky finger at the eleventh fret of the third (G) string. Lastly, you will put your middle finger at the second (B) string’s tenth fret. Looking for another barre chord? Try the difficult Eb guitar chord, too.

Try these chords next!

Gm (G Minor)

D Chord (The D Major)

F chord (F Major)

C chord (C major)