Table of Contents
How to Play F Minor on Ukulele
Introduction
We are at the point where we will explain how to perform the famous F Minor chord on the ukulele. As it is known, all minor chords provide us with a sad and melancholic feeling, which means that they are choices when we want to write or play such tunes.
The F minor chord makes a terrific addition to any starting ukulele player’s arsenal of chords. In this lesson, you’ll be taught the notes that make up the F minor chord, the best way to play this chord in three totally different positions, and a song that features the F minor chord that will help you practice what you’ve discovered. Let’s begin.
The F minor chord on the ukulele is made up of three notes: F, Ab, and C
The F minor chord relies on the F minor scale and consists of the basic note F, the minor third A flat (Ab), and the perfect fifth C. As it’s a minor chord, you’ll discover that F minor has a sadder and darker sound than the F major chord.
In case you’re not conversant in the difference between major and minor scales, all you have to know is that it comes down to at least one note: the third. On a minor scale, the third is a half-step flat from what it might be on a major scale. In the key of F, the key third is A and the minor third is Ab.
Play F Minor on Ukulele: How to Play It
The index and middle fingers are the simple part of Fm! Place the index on the primary fret of the G string and the middle finger on the primary fret of the E string. As soon as they’re in place and never muting close by strings, take your pinky and swing it up to the third fret of the A string. In case you’re not used to utilizing your pinky this could be a laborious stretch, however except for that this chord isn’t too tough.
Other well-known names for this chord are Fm or Fmin. Whenever you meet these terms as well, do not be confused, you are looking at the same chord variant of the same chord.
Let’s look more deeply at how this chord is played in a detailed explanation of where you need to place your fingers, exactly on which position and fret.
F Minor Ukulele Chord: Root Position
So here is how you need to press the first or the root position of the F minor ukulele chord:
- Use your Index finger to press the G string on the 1st fret.
- Use your middle finger to press the E string on the 1st fret as well.
- Use your pinky finger to press the A string on the 3rd fret.
As mentioned before, you need to be careful not to mute the open strings, C string in this case, and play them freely without any interruption. Aside from that, this should be an easy learning experience for any ukulele player.
F minor Ukulele Chord: 1st Inversion
For the second position, you will need to use all of your fingers to press this variation. Maybe it is not the easiest option, but it’s always good to know this one as you play and switch from chord to chord. Maybe it will be easier to switch to this version compared to the root one. Let’s see how you should play this one out:
- Use your Index finger to press the A string on the 3rd fret.
- Use your middle finger to press the E string on the 4th fret.
- Use your ring finger to press the G string on the 5th fret.
- Use your pinky finger to press the C string on the 5th fret as well.
It may be a confusing one, but surely it is a great way to perform this chord. Let’s check 2 more variations that are down the fretboard that you might use sometimes.
F minor Ukulele Chord: 2nd Inversion
For the second inversion of this chord, you will be able to use a barre chord, but this time, instead of using the index finger to press it down, you will need to use the pinky one. The index finger barre chords are probably the easiest way to press down, but with a little practice, you will be able to learn how to do it with all of your fingers as well.
- Use your index finger to press the G string on the 5th fret.
- Use your pinky finger to press the C, E, and A string on the 8th fret.
F minor Ukulele Chord: 3rd Inversion
This last inversion that we are going to explain again consists of a barre chord, but this time you will need to go for the easy variation and use the index finger. We decided to show this one last because you are down the fretboard and you are pressing the barre chord on the 8th fret. Let’s check out how:
- Use your Index to press the C, E, and A string on the 8th fret.
- Use your ring finger to press the G string on the 10th fret.
How to Play F Minor Chord on Piano
For an F major scale, the notes are F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E. A is the major third or third note of the scale. To create the Fm chord, you would want to play this third note of the scale a half step (semitone decrease). In different words, as an alternative to playing the note A, you play Ab.
The notes of the F minor chord are F – Ab – C. F is note 1, Ab is the b3 (flat third) and C is note 5 of the major scale. When you already know how you can play an F major chord (F – A – C), all you do is decrease the center note of this chord, A by a half step.
Notes F – Ab – C
Famous Songs that use the F Minor Ukulele Chord
“One More Night“ is a track by the American pop rock band Maroon 5. The track was launched on June 19, 2012, as a second single from their fourth studio album Overexposed (2012).
The track received mixed to optimistic critiques from music critics. Most of them complimented the reggae effect on the tune, Levine’s vocals, and labeled it a “summertime catchy track”. Nevertheless, some critics perceived an absence of identity and criticized the track’s melody.
The track’s lyrics are about a man who feels responsible about staying in a relationship just for sex. The refrain finds Levine bewitched by somebody he is aware he should not be with.
Conclusion
Here we are concluding the topic on playing the F Minor chord on your ukulele. We provided you with 4 options how to play it, also how to perform it on a piano + a song that consists of this chord. From here on, everything is on you and how much dedication you will have.
Do not underestimate the value of practicing and repeating the exercises. By doing that, you are training much more than playing the chord. Muscle memory is one other reflex that you will develop and it’s crucial for the level and professionalism of playing any instrument.
If you are interested in learning more about the ukulele, check our lessons and explanation for other chords as well. We hope that you will go there and expand your basic knowledge to an upper-intermediate and professional!
