How to play F#m on guitar (and easier ways)
F#m is an Em-shape barre at the 2nd fret, very common in songs in the keys of A, D and E.
The 3D hands holding F#m. Switch to 0.5× and turn the guitar to see each finger.
Where the fingers go
- Index finger (1) lies across all six strings at fret 2.
- Ring finger (3) on the A (5th) string, fret 4.
- Pinky finger (4) on the D (4th) string, fret 4.
Notes in the chord: F# – C# – A
Tips
- It is the Fm shape moved up one fret, and the strings are a little softer there.
- Keep the ring finger on the 5th string and the pinky on the 4th, both at the 4th fret.
- If you play in the key of A, try F#m against A, D and E slowly; the index finger can stay close to the 2nd fret.
Easier ways to play F#m
F#m (small, 4 strings)
x x 4 2 2 2
A short barre over three strings.
F#m7
2 x 2 2 2 x
A jazzier colour that skips the hardest strings.
With a capo
Capo 2 and play an Em shape for the same pitch. Work out other keys with the capo calculator.
Practise F#m inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses F#m, or snap a photo of the sheet. SnapFret plays it with the hands, and you can loop the change you find hardest.
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