F♯ minor 7th chord on ukulele (F♯m7)

Why it sounds like that

F♯ minor 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, ♭7. The minor 3rd between F♯ and A gives the chord its minor quality, and the minor 7th E adds a mellow tension. Compare it to F♯ minor, which omits the 7th.

What goes wrong with F♯ minor 7th?

• Letting the pinky collapse onto the C string, muting it.
• Pressing the index finger too flat, which can buzz the G string.
• Rushing the placement so the E string note sounds sharp.

When to use it

F♯ minor 7th works as the vi chord in A major, appearing in the progression A major–E major–F♯ minor–D major (I–V–vi–IV). It suits indie pop and ballads. Try it with F♯ minor and A major.

Changing to and from F♯ minor 7th

• Move to G minor 7th by sliding the shape up one fret to the 3rd fret.
• From F♯ minor 7th, slide down one fret to the 1st fret for F minor 7th.

Which voicing to use

The 2nd-fret voicing keeps A in the bass for a softer sound. The F♯m7/C♯ inversion at the 6th fret puts C♯ in the bass, adding clarity. For a brighter top, use the F♯m7/E inversion at the 9th fret.