How to Play the F Chord: Easy Version to Full Barre

Stage 1: Easy F (strum the top 4 strings)

• Index finger: fret 1 of the B string.
• Middle finger: fret 2 of the G string.
• Ring finger: fret 3 of the D string.
• Strum from the D string down. Don't play the low E or A.

e|-x-|
B|-1-|
G|-2-|
D|-3-|
A|-x-|
E|-x-|

Stage 2: Four-string F (a mini barre)

Keep stage 1, then flatten your index finger so it also covers fret 1 on the high E string. Strum from the D string down.

e|-1-|
B|-1-|
G|-2-|
D|-3-|
A|-x-|
E|-x-|

Stage 3: Full F barre

Index finger lies flat across all six strings at fret 1. Middle finger goes on fret 2 of the G string, ring finger on fret 3 of the A string, and little finger on fret 3 of the D string. Strum all six strings.

e|-1-|
B|-1-|
G|-2-|
D|-3-|
A|-3-|
E|-1-|

Fixing buzzing or dead notes

1. Roll the index finger slightly onto its bony edge, so the soft crease doesn't land on a string.
2. Keep it close behind the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret.
3. Pull back gently with the arm instead of squeezing harder with the thumb.
4. Play one string at a time to find the dead one, then adjust only that finger.
5. If it is still very hard, the guitar's action may be high. See high action fixes and strings too hard to press.

Practise it in songs

F turns up alongside C and G in many progressions. Use our chord progressions and practise C to F changes for one minute at a time. The rest of the shapes are in the chord library.

Safety: barre chords tire the hand. Practise in short sets and stop if you feel pain rather than fatigue.

FAQ

Why only an F page and not one for every chord?

The other beginner chords are covered in our chord library. F gets its own page because it is the first chord that needs a barre, and it needs a step-by-step route.

Is F easier on electric guitar?

Usually, yes. Electric guitars tend to have lighter strings, so it can be easier to practise the barre there first.