F♯ 5th chord on guitar (F♯5)

Why it sounds like that

F♯ 5th is built from the 1st and 5th degrees of the F♯ major scale, giving the formula 1–5. The perfect fifth interval creates the open, neutral sound typical of power chords. Compare it with F♯ major, which adds the major third A♯ for a complete major triad.

What goes wrong with F♯ 5th?

• The 3rd string sounds because the fretting hand fails to mute it.
• The 2nd string rings open when the fretting hand fails to mute it.
• The 5th string buzzes because the middle finger is too far from the fret.

When to use it

F♯ 5th functions as the tonic in F♯ major progressions like F♯–B–C♯ (I–IV–V) or F♯–C♯–D♯m–B (I–V–vi–IV). Its neutral fifth suits rock, punk, and metal rhythm parts. Use it with F♯ major and C♯ major for a full major sound.

Changing to and from F♯ 5th

• Sliding the shape down one fret to the 1st fret gives F 5th.
• Sliding the shape up one fret to the 3rd fret gives G 5th.

Which voicing to use

The 2nd fret position is the default and works well for barre chord progressions. The 9th fret position moves the shape up the neck for a higher voicing. The F♯5/C♯ inversion puts the fifth in the bass, giving a less rooted, more open sound.