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F♯ 7th sharp 5 chord on bass (F♯7♯5)
Also called or written F♯7♯5, F♯ or F♯ Dominant 7th ♯5
F♯ 7th sharp 5 contains F♯, A♯, C♯♯, and E. The default voicing at the 10th fret uses a wide four-finger stretch.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, ♭7
- Root positionF♯–A♯–C♯♯–EF♯7♯5no shape on this instrument
- First inversionA♯–C♯♯–E–F♯F♯7♯5/A♯no shape on this instrument
- Second inversionC♯♯–E–F♯–A♯F♯7♯5/C♯♯10-9-8-9
- Third inversionE–F♯–A♯–C♯♯F♯7♯5/E12-13-12-11
How do you play an F♯ 7th sharp 5 chord on bass?
F♯ 7th sharp 5 is played at the 8th fret as 10 9 8 9: pinky finger on the E string at fret 10, middle finger on the A string at fret 9, index finger on the D string at fret 8 and ring finger on the G string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10 | 4 | C♯♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 2 | F♯ (1) |
| 2 (D) | 8 | 1 | A♯ (3) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 3 | E (♭7) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 10th fret on the E string while the index holds the 8th fret on the D string.
F♯7♯5/E inversion
F♯ 7th sharp 5 is played at the 11th fret as 12 13 12 11: middle finger on the E string at fret 12, pinky finger on the A string at fret 13, ring finger on the D string at fret 12 and index finger on the G string at fret 11.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 2 | E (♭7) |
| 3 (A) | 13 | 4 | A♯ (3) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 3 | C♯♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | 11 | 1 | F♯ (1) |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ 7th sharp 5 is built from the formula 1, 3, ♯5, ♭7. The augmented 5th, C♯♯, gives the chord its bright, tense sound. Compare it to F♯ 7th, which has a perfect 5th.
What goes wrong with F♯ 7th sharp 5?
- Letting the pinky collapse and mute the A string.
- Pressing the index finger too flat and buzzing the D string.
- Striking the open E string instead of the 10th fret.
When to use it
F♯ 7th sharp 5 functions as a dominant chord in F♯ major progressions, such as F♯–B–C♯, the I–IV–V. It suits jazz, blues, and funk lines that need a raised 5th. It pairs well with F♯ major and F♯ 7th.
Changing to and from F♯ 7th sharp 5
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 8th fret gives E 7th sharp 5. Keep the finger spacing identical while shifting.
- Move to F♯ 7th by lowering the D string from the 8th fret to the 7th fret; the other fingers stay in place.
Which voicing to use
The D inversion puts the ♭7 in the bass, creating a dark, unstable sound. The F♭ inversion has the ♭7 in the bass as well but is higher on the neck. Choose the D inversion for a more dissonant line.
Other F♯ chords
Common questions
How is F♯ 7th sharp 5 written?
F♯ 7th sharp 5 is written as F♯7♯5 or F♯7+5. The ASCII root is F#, so you may see F#7#5. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
What is the difference between F♯ 7th sharp 5 and F♯ augmented?
F♯ 7th sharp 5 adds a minor 7th, E, to the augmented triad F♯–A♯–C♯♯. F♯ augmented has only the root, major 3rd, and augmented 5th. The 7th makes the chord dominant and more dissonant.
Can F♯ 7th sharp 5 be used as a passing chord?
F♯ 7th sharp 5 works as a passing chord between F♯ 7th and F♯ 9th. Its raised 5th creates tension that resolves to the next chord. Use it briefly on a weak beat.