How to Play the F Minor Chord on Ukulele

The F minor chord makes a great addition to any beginning ukulele player’s arsenal of chords. In this lesson, you will learn the notes that make up the F minor chord, how to play this chord in three different positions, and some songs that feature the F minor chord to help you practice what you’ve learned. Let’s get started.

Lesson: How to Play an F Minor Chord

The F minor chord on the ukulele is made up of three notes:

F / Ab / C

The F minor chord is based on the F minor scale and consists of the root note F, the minor third A flat (Ab), and the perfect fifth C. As it is a minor chord, you’ll notice that F minor has a sadder and darker sound than the F major chord.

In case you’re not familiar with the difference between major and minor scales, all you need to know is that it comes down to one note: the third. In a minor scale, the third is a half-step flat from what it would be in a major scale. In the key of F, the major third is A and the minor third is Ab.

Next, we’re going to take a look at how to play the F minor chord in three different positions on your ukulele. Remember, in every position, you’ll still be playing the same three notes.

How Do You Play an F Minor Chord on Ukulele?

To learn how to play the F minor chord, we’ll look at some ukulele chord charts. These charts show you exactly where to place each finger in order to play the F minor chord properly. Ukulele chord charts visually represent the four strings on your ukulele fretboard:

• G = The fourth string

• C = The third string (lowest tone)

• E = The second string

• A = The first string (and highest-tone string)

Unlike the guitar, where strings are in a descending order, the lowest-toned string on a ukulele is actually the third string.

These charts use numbers and other symbols to show you where to place your fingers and which strings to strum.

• O - A circle above the string means to play that string in an open position

• X - An “x” above the strings means you won’t play that string or mute it when playing

• 1 = Index finger

• 2 = Middle finger

• 3 = Ring finger

• 4 = Pinky finger

F Minor Chord on Ukulele: 1st Position

To play the F minor chord in 1st position, start with your index finger on the first fret of your G string. Next, place your middle finger on the first fret of the E string, and your pinky finger on the third fret of your A string.

• Index finger: 1st fret of G string

• Middle finger: 1st fret of E string

• Pinky finger: 3rd fret of A string

Make sure you aren’t muting the open C string, and strum all four strings to play the F minor chord in first position

Songs That Use the F Minor Chord

Practicing this chord in all three positions is a great way to start mastering the F minor chord. However, to truly cement this chord into your repertoire, nothing beats learning to strum along to songs that contain the F minor chord. Playing and hearing this chord in the context of a familiar song is a great way to build muscle memory in your hands while also training your ear to recognize this chord.

Although the F minor chord has a melancholy sound, many upbeat numbers use it as a transitional chord. Take for example the Disney classic “Bare Necessities” from 1967’s The Jungle Book. With an upbeat syncopated rhythm and bright major chords like C and F, this song manages to include several minor chords like Am and Dm (plus a handful of 7th chords) without ever losing its cheerful tone.

Fans of So You Think You Can Dance will remember Christina Perri’s breakout hit “Jar of Hearts”. This emotional ballad’s memorable chorus is based around a chord progression that’s built on the C, G, Am, F, and Fm chords. Play along and hear how this minor chord creates an emotionally affecting sound on your ukulele.

Check out Fender Play Ukulele Lessons

When it comes to learning the F minor chord on ukulele, practice makes perfect. The more time you spend playing this chord, the more easily you’ll remember proper finger placement and train your ear to know the sound of this versatile chord. Once you’re strumming F minor chords with ease, you’ll want to learn even more ukulele chords and check out song tutorials. Sign up for a free trial with Fender Play to get access to more ukulele lessons to help you master your uke technique, learn more chords, and start playing the songs you love.

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