Explore chords · Ukulele
F minor chord on ukulele (Fm)
Also called or written Fm or Fmin
F minor is built from F, A♭, and C. The 3rd fret shape mutes the G string and uses a three-fret stretch.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5
How do you play an F minor chord on ukulele?
F minor is played at the 3rd fret as × 5 4 3: ring finger on the C string at fret 5, middle finger on the E string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 3. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 3 | F (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 2 | A♭ (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 1 | C (5) |
IntermediateThe left hand must mute the G string while fretting three strings across a three-fret span.
Fmin/A♭ inversion
F minor is played at the 8th fret as 10 8 8 8: barre your index finger across fret 8 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10 | 4 | F (1) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 1 (barre) | A♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 1 (barre) | C (5) |
| 1 (A) | 8 | 1 (barre) | F (1) |
Fmin/C inversion
F minor is played in open position as 1 0 1 3: index finger on the G string at fret 1, middle finger on the E string at fret 1 and ring finger on the A string at fret 3. The C string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | A♭ (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (5) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 2 | F (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (5) |
3rd fret · 5-5-4-3
F minor is played at the 3rd fret as 5 5 4 3: ring finger on the G string at fret 5, pinky finger on the C string at fret 5, middle finger on the E string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 3 | C (5) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 4 | F (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 2 | A♭ (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 1 | C (5) |
Why it sounds like that
F minor uses the formula 1, ♭3, 5. The minor 3rd between F and A♭ creates its melancholy sound. Compare it with F major, which has an A natural instead.
What goes wrong with F minor?
- Letting the G string ring open adds a note outside the chord.
- Allowing the middle finger to touch the A string can mute the root.
When to use it
F minor is the vi chord in A♭ major, appearing in progressions like A♭–E♭–F minor–D♭ (I–V–vi–IV). It suits moody pop and R&B. Resolve it to A♭ major for a smooth cadence.
Changing to and from F minor
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 2nd fret gives E minor.
- From F minor, slide the whole shape up one fret to the 4th fret for F♯ minor.
Which voicing to use
The 3rd fret shape is the default and keeps F in the bass. The 8th fret barre voicing provides a brighter, higher-register alternative. The Fmin/A♭ inversion places A♭ in the bass for a darker color.
Other F chords
Common questions
How is F minor written?
F minor is written Fm, Fmin, F−, or Fmi.
Why is the G string muted in the default shape?
The open G string is not a chord tone of F minor. Muting it keeps the voicing clean and prevents a dissonant note from sounding.
What is the difference between F minor and F major?
F minor has an A♭, while F major has an A natural. The lowered third is what makes the chord minor and gives it a sadder quality.