F♯ 7th chord on ukulele (F♯7)

Why it sounds like that

F♯ 7th is built from the formula 1, 3, 5, ♭7 on the root F♯. The ♭7, E, gives the chord its dominant pull. Compare it with F♯ major, which lacks the ♭7.

What goes wrong with F♯ 7th?

• Letting the pinky collapse and deaden the 1st string.
• Allowing the ring finger to touch the 2nd string, muffling the C♯.
• Pressing the index too flat so the 2nd string buzzes.

When to use it

F♯ 7th is the V chord in B major, resolving to B major in the I–IV–V–I progression B–E–F♯–B. It also appears in the I–V–vi–IV progression B–F♯–G♯m–E. Use F♯ 7th for blues, rock, and jazz progressions.

Changing to and from F♯ 7th

• Sliding the shape down one fret to the 2nd fret gives F 7th.
• Sliding the shape up one fret to the 4th fret gives G 7th.

Which voicing to use

The F♯7/A♯ inversion has A♯ in the bass and is the default shape. The F♯7/E inversion at the 9th fret puts E in the bass and is easier to reach. The F♯7/C♯ inversion at the 6th fret has C♯ in the bass and uses a barre.