How to play Fm on guitar (and easier ways)
Fm is the F barre with the middle finger lifted, so the index finger has to hold the 3rd string by itself.
The 3D hands holding Fm. 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 1.
- Ring finger (3) on the A (5th) string, fret 3.
- Pinky finger (4) on the D (4th) string, fret 3.
Notes in the chord: F – C – G#
Tips
- Roll the index finger so the 3rd string sits on the flat part of the finger, not in a crease.
- Learn F first. Fm is one finger less but needs a cleaner barre.
- Use the 4-string version while the full barre is still buzzing.
Easier ways to play Fm
Fm (small, 4 strings)
x x 3 1 1 1
A three-string barre plus the ring finger.
With a capo
Capo 1 and play an Em shape for the same pitch. Work out other keys with the capo calculator.
Practise Fm inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses Fm, 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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