Explore chords · Ukulele
F 5th chord on ukulele (F5)
Also called or written F5, F or F power chord
F 5th contains F and C. This power chord at the 1st fret has two muted strings, an intermediate grip that demands clean muting.
How it is built
Formula 1, 5
How do you play an F 5th chord on ukulele?
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (5) |
IntermediateThe index and middle fingers must fret cleanly while both remaining strings are muted, requiring precise finger placement.
F5/C inversion · fret 10
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10 | 1 | F (1) |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 2 | C (5) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
F5/C inversion · open position
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (5) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (5) |
Why it sounds like that
F 5th is built from the formula 1, 5, using the root F and its perfect fifth C. The perfect fifth gives the chord its strong, open sound. Compare F 5th with F major, which adds the major third A.
What goes wrong with F 5th?
- Letting the G or C string ring open because the muting finger is not touching it.
- Pressing the E string too hard and pulling it sharp.
- Flattening the middle finger onto the C string and accidentally fretting it.
When to use it
F 5th works as a power chord in F major progressions like F–B♭–C, the I–IV–V in F major. F 5th suits rock and punk where a full major chord sounds too bright.
Changing to and from F 5th
- Move from F 5th to B♭ major by lifting the middle finger and placing it on the C string 2nd fret while the index stays on the E string 1st fret.
- Slide F 5th up one fret to F♯ 5th by moving both fingers together from the 1st fret to the 2nd fret.
Which voicing to use
The 1st fret position keeps F in the bass for a rooted sound. The F5/C inversion puts C in the bass, which softens the chord and works well when moving to B♭ major or D minor.
Other F chords
Common questions
How do I mute the G and C strings cleanly in F 5th?
Rest the underside of your fretting fingers lightly against the G and C strings without pressing them to the frets. Check each string individually with a slow strum.
Why does F 5th sound different from F major?
F 5th omits the major third A, leaving only the root and fifth. Without the third the chord has no major or minor quality, which is why it works over both F major and F minor contexts.
Can I play F 5th higher up the neck?
Yes, the 10th fret position plays F and C on the G and C strings. The higher register cuts through a band mix but loses the low string warmth.