F7 (F seventh) is built from 4 notes: F, A, C, E♭.
- Froot
- Amajor third
- Cperfect fifth
- E♭minor seventh
Formula: 1, 3, 5, b7
How to play F7 on guitar
1 3 1 2 1 1x 8 10 8 10 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 F7 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 E7 shape, or capo on fret 3 and play the D7 shape.
How to play F7 on piano
Play F, A, C, E♭ together. With your right hand, use fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5 (thumb on F). Your left hand can play F an octave lower for a fuller sound.
Where F7 is used
F7 is the five chord (V7) in the keys of B♭ major and B♭ minor. Its A and E♭ pull toward the notes of the B♭ chord, which is why F7 so often comes right before B♭ or B♭m.
To hear the difference the seventh makes, play F and then F7. The extra E♭ adds tension that wants to resolve.
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.