Fm (F minor) is built from 3 notes: F, A♭, C.
- Froot
- A♭minor third
- Cperfect fifth
Formula: 1, b3, 5
How to play Fm on guitar
1 3 3 1 1 1x 8 10 10 9 8Read the diagrams with the low E string on the left. × means do not play that string, ○ means play it open.
Easier way: there is no open Fm shape, so it is usually played with one of the movable shapes above. With a capo you can use a shape you already know: capo on fret 1 and play the Em shape, or capo on fret 3 and play the Dm shape.
How to play Fm on piano
Play F, A♭, C together. With your right hand, use fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb on F). Your left hand can play F an octave lower for a fuller sound.
Chords in the key of F minor
These seven chords are built from the F minor scale (F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭), so they all sound at home next to Fm.
Common progressions in F minor
- i - VI - III - VII: Fm - D♭ - A♭ - E♭
- i - iv - v - i: Fm - B♭m - Cm - Fm
- i - VII - VI - VII: Fm - E♭ - D♭ - E♭
The relative major of F minor is A♭. Both keys use the same notes. On the Camelot wheel, F minor is 4A.
Related chords
Change this chord into another key with the Chord Transposer, or look up any other chord or scale in the Chord and Scale Finder.