How to play the F major over A chord on guitar

The F chord, pronounced "F major over A," is a unique and versatile guitar chord. It combines the notes of an F major triad with an A bass note, creating a rich, full sound. The F/A chord is commonly used in various genres, including folk, rock, and country music, and can be heard in popular songs like "Hotel California" by The Eagles.

The most common way to play the F major over A chord on guitar is on the 5th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a F major over A chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 5th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to strum down across all six strings in one smooth motion.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F major over A chord, try playing an F chord without the barre. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st (E) string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.

The F major over A barre chord is a more advanced version of the chord that allows for easier transitions and a fuller sound compared to the open chord version. Here's how to play the most popular F major over A barre chord shape:

1. Place your index finger across the 5th fret, covering all six strings. This is the barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down.

The F major chord played over an A bass note (F/A) is often used as a transitional chord to create a sense of movement, anticipation, or emotional tension in a chord progression. Some common progressions featuring this chord include:

• vi - I - IV - V (Dm - F/A - Bb - C): Used in "Let It Be" by The Beatles and "Hey Jude" by The Beatles
• vi - IV - I - V (Dm - Bb - F/A - C): Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley
• vi - IV - V - I (Dm - Bb - C - F/A): Used in "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey and "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
• I - V - vi - IV (F/A - C - Dm - Bb): Used in "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper and "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and The Waves
• I - vi - IV - V (F/A - Dm - Bb - C): Used in "Africa" by Toto and "Eternal Flame" by The Bangles

One effective drill for mastering the F major over A guitar chord is to practice playing the chord tones individually. Start by playing the A note, then the C note, and finally the F note. Focus on each note's sound and how they blend together to create the chord. Repeat this process slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Another helpful drill is to practice transitioning between the F major and A chords. Start by playing the A chord, then smoothly switch to the F major chord, and back again. This will help you develop muscle memory and improve your chord changing speed.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F major over A chord.

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (F, C, G, D, A, Dm, Bb)
2. Let It Be by The Beatles (C, G, F, Am, Dm)
3. Soul Sister by Train (C, G, Am, F)
4. The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra (F, Dm, Am, Bb)
5. Hello by Adele (F, Am, C, G)
6. Love Story by Taylor Swift (C, G, Am, F)
7. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz (C, G, Am, F)
8. Billionaire by Travie McCoy ft. Bruno Mars (C, G, Am, F)
9. Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars (F, Dm, Bb, C)
10. Bubbly by Colbie Caillat (C, G, F, Am)