Help on F Major

[Xaisoft]

F Major is an annoying chord. Does anyone have suggestions on getting better at it?

[Silimtao]

I'll be among the first to say: practice, practice, practice.

But one approach would be to barre the E & B strings only until you get a clean sound, then add your middle finger to the G string, 2nd fret until you get a clean sound, then, finally, add your ring finger to the D string 3rd fret. Don't forget to curl your middle and ring fingers enough so as not to hit any adjoining strings.

I've seen some instructors approach it the other way- starting on the D string, then G, etc.

Yet another approach would be doing a full barre across the first fret using the open E Major shape, but I think you should learn the F with a partial barre, as later on, you'll be running into chords that require that; not only with your first finger, but maybe with your pinky, or your ring finger.

I'm teaching my 10 year old son, and just having him practice by fretting all the strings- I just tell him, "keep at it until you get it." I think he's gonna call Child Welfare Services on me soon though. :eek:

So, only way you'll get it is, practice, practice.

[Xaisoft]

Thanks for that advice. It is very helpful.

[Kevin Taylor]

There's a couple of different ways to play the F chord.
This vid might help if you haven't seen it yet.

http://guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=9039

[ren]

Only other suggestion would be to play the shape higher up. Try playing the F chord higher up the neck:

E--13--
B--13--
G--14--
D--15--
A------
E------

Less string tension up there, so you should find it easier to get the technique down. Then shift the 'shape' down the neck as you build strength until you get to the first fret position. Useful anyway as each fret is another major chord, so it'll come in handy one day... ;)

[Xaisoft]

Thanks, I will try all of these.