F♯ minor 7th chord on bass (F♯m7)

Why it sounds like that

F♯ minor 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, ♭7. The minor 7th interval from F♯ to E gives the chord its mellow, unresolved character. Compare it with F♯ minor, which omits the E.

What goes wrong with F♯ minor 7th?

• Letting the pinky flatten and mute the 2nd string.
• Allowing the ring finger to touch the 1st string and damp the C♯.
• Strumming before the pinky is fully fretted, causing a buzz on the 3rd string.

When to use it

F♯ minor 7th functions as the vi chord in A major, appearing in progressions like A–E–F♯m–D (I–V–vi–IV). It suits rock and pop, often paired with A major and D major.

Changing to and from F♯ minor 7th

• Sliding the shape down one fret to the 1st fret gives F minor 7th.
• From F♯ minor 7th, move the pinky from the 4th fret to the 5th fret on the A string to form G minor 7th.

Which voicing to use

Use the 2nd-fret voicing for a root-position F♯ minor 7th with a low F♯. The F♯m7/C♯ inversion at the 9th fret places the fifth in the bass for a smoother sound, while the F♯m7/E inversion at the 12th fret puts the seventh in the bass for a descending line.