Explore chords · Bass
F♯ minor chord on bass (F♯m)
Also called or written F♯m or F♯min
F♯ minor contains the notes F♯, A, and C♯. This 2nd-fret shape is a movable four-string voicing that suits intermediate players.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5
How do you play an F♯ minor chord on bass?
F♯ minor is played at the 2nd fret as 2 4 4 2: index finger on the E string at fret 2, ring finger on the A string at fret 4, pinky finger on the D string at fret 4 and middle finger on the G string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (1) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 3 | C♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 4 | F♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (♭3) |
IntermediateThe stretch between the index finger on the 2nd fret and the ring and pinky on the 4th fret requires comfortable finger independence.
F♯min/A inversion
F♯ minor is played at the 4th fret as 5 4 4 6: ring finger on the E string at fret 5, index finger on the A string at fret 4, middle finger on the D string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 1 | C♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 2 | F♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 6 | 4 | C♯ (5) |
F♯min/C♯ inversion · fret 2
F♯ minor is played at the 2nd fret as × 4 4 2: middle finger on the A string at fret 4, ring finger on the D string at fret 4 and index finger on the G string at fret 2. The E string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 2 | C♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 3 | F♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (♭3) |
F♯min/C♯ inversion · fret 7
F♯ minor is played at the 7th fret as 9 9 7 ×: middle finger on the E string at fret 9, ring finger on the A string at fret 9 and index finger on the D string at fret 7. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9 | 2 | C♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 3 | F♯ (1) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 1 | A (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ minor is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, with the ♭3 (A) giving it its minor quality. The interval from F♯ to A is a minor 3rd, and from F♯ to C♯ is a perfect 5th. Compared to F♯ major, the third is lowered by one semitone.
What goes wrong with F♯ minor?
- Letting the middle finger flatten onto the 1st string and mute it.
- Pressing the ring finger too far from the fret, causing the 3rd string to buzz.
- Striking the strings too hard and losing the clarity of the inner notes.
When to use it
F♯ minor is the vi chord in A major, appearing in progressions like A–E–F♯m–D (I–V–vi–IV). F♯ minor suits rock, metal, and pop lines where a sharp-key minor adds edge.
Changing to and from F♯ minor
- Move to F minor by sliding the shape down one fret to the 1st fret.
- Move to G minor by sliding the shape up one fret to the 3rd fret.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd-fret shape puts the root F♯ in the bass, giving a solid, centered sound. For a lighter feel, use the F♯min/C♯ inversion, which places the fifth C♯ in the bass and softens the chord's attack.
Other F♯ chords
Common questions
How is F♯ minor written?
F♯ minor is written as F♯m, F♯min, F♯−, or F♯mi. On a keyboard, type F# instead of F♯. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
What scales work over F♯ minor?
F♯ natural minor and F♯ minor pentatonic are the most direct choices. The blues scale adds a ♭5 for a grittier sound.
Can I play F♯ minor with a barre?
The 2nd-fret shape uses individual fingers, not a barre. The F♯min/C♯ inversion at the 2nd fret is easier for beginners.