Also written F5, F or F power chord
F 5th is built from F and C. This shape mutes one string and uses two fretted notes, so it needs careful right-hand control.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
F 5th uses the formula 1, 5, so it contains only the root F and its perfect 5th C. The perfect 5th interval gives the chord its open, stable sound. Compare it with F major, which adds the major 3rd A.
F 5th works as a power chord in F major progressions like F–B♭–C, the I–IV–V. It suits rock and pop when you want a tight, focused sound. Use it to replace F major in a band mix.
The default voicing puts C in the bass, so it sounds like an inversion. For a root-position F 5th, use the shape on the G and C strings at the 10th and 12th frets.
F 5th is played in open position as × 0 1 3: index finger on the E string at fret 1 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3. The C string rings open. The G string stays muted.
Tip — The hardest part is muting the G string cleanly while fretting the E and A strings at different frets.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (5) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (5) |
F 5th is played at the 1st fret as × × 1 3: index finger on the E string at fret 1 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3. The G and C strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (5) |
F 5th is played at the 10th fret as 10 12 × ×: index finger on the G string at fret 10 and middle finger on the C string at fret 12. The E and A strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10 | 1 | F (1) |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 2 | C (5) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
F 5th is written as F or F5. It is also called a power chord.
F major contains F, A, and C, while F 5th omits the A. Removing the 3rd makes the chord neither major nor minor.
The open G string is not a chord tone, so it must be muted to keep the chord clean. Muting it avoids an unwanted note.