Stupid F Chord.

How is it possible? the video doesn't go into much detail on how to do this sucker. The B and E strings are especially difficult to do. where should the thumb go so it's easier to play this chord? any tips?

I can't even imagine how more difficult it will be to switch between chords using the F chord. anybody at all who can help with some tips?

Hey xtremegz,
The F chord is the toughest one, and it definitely takes some work to get it. It is also an E formation barre chord, and these are useful no matter what style you play.

I would start by placing the index finger, it's going to take some time to do it pain free too. You have to build some light callouses on your index finger. The barre chord is much harder to do in the 1st fret, try moving your index finger up to the 5th fret. It's easier to do it there, after getting used to it then move back to the first fret to tackle the F chord.

In the 5th fret you'll be playing an A barre chord, but this can help you get used to the barre chord position. Try this, and let me know how it goes.

BTW keep in mind that everyone's fingers are different, someone with shorter fingers will have to put their thumb lower on the back of the neck. Play around with it some, and find out where your finger has to be to cover all the strings.

"Stupid F Chord" heheh :)

When I originally learned the F chord, it was not the barre shape. It used the index only on the B & e strings, middle on the G, 2nd fret, ring on the D string, 3rd fret. That was the one I used in the beginning because it used the least amount of fingers. You need to strum on those 4 strings, so you can still get F as the root note.

After a while it was easy to just add my pinky for a 5 string version (Now my ring finger would be A string, 3rd fret, and pinky is doing D string 3rd fret.)

In either case, don't play the unfretted strings and remember your F-root is on the D string.

Eventually the barre version was easier to do as I gained finger strength and facility. In the meantime, though, I found those reduced versions perfectly adequate. I still use them depending on the need at the time.

Originally Posted by: xtremegzHow is it possible? the video doesn't go into much detail on how to do this sucker. The B and E strings are especially difficult to do. where should the thumb go so it's easier to play this chord? any tips?

Please read this thread in which I address your questions:

http://www.guitartricks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30433

thanks alot for the tips guys. I have been painfully practicing and sometimes I get it to ring right. I'll try some of your advice. thanks again.

This is very hard to do on my left hand my thum does not bend (have no joint. I use my little finger on the D string and ring finger on the G string that leaves index and middel for the b and e strings this is the only way I can play this note. The only other time my thum comes into play is muting the E string.

I definately recall the F being difficult at first, but there are definately various ways to 'cheat' playing an F - I sometimes wonder how many of my lazy techniques people would laugh at!

I have mentioned this on other forums. The dreaded F chord is always difficult in the very beginning, but it does get easier. Also, as mentioned in other posts, that shape is very useful across the whole guitar neck. That is a standard barre chord shape, so once complete; you can play that shape anywhere and play a ton of your favorite songs. That being said though, there are ways to accomplish playing F without playing the dreaded barre chords. This doesn't mean you should not learn this shape, but these shapes are a little easier in the beginning. Here are some ways you can play F on the E, B, and G strings.

E: 1st Fret
B: 1st Fret
G: 2nd Fret

E: 5th Fret
B: 6th Fret
G: 5th Fret

E: 8th Fret
B: 10th Fret
G: 10th Fret

All of these play the same notes, and are much easier to play in the beginning I feel. Below is a link to a video I did on this concept, using a D major chord. Take a look and see if you can see the connection. Best of luck.

http://guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=12502&c_id=13&ch_id=78&s_id=646

I thought it was just me struggling with this one!! I can't keep my pad on those two strings for love nor money! Its fine until I place my other fingers and then I can't keep it down!! Keep trying, I suppose! :)

Indeed, keep trying; but try the shapes in the previous post. It won't be the same huge chord shape, it will however get the point across and introduce you to some new chord concepts as well. Super easy and useful.

Definitely easier! Not quite so painful now either - the callouses are coming, albeit slowly! ;)

Glad to hear it! Below is a link to a tutorial I did on Major triads that shows you some ways to use these shapes as well. I feel at times in the beginner phase it is easy to get frustrated with all these crazy shapes and morphing your hands into all these crazy new shapes. Give this a good watching and try some of these shapes.

http://guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=12501&c_id=13&ch_id=78&s_id=646

Great! Thank you! I find it hard to walk past my guitar without picking it up - even more so now! :) :)