How to play the F major over C chord on guitar

The F chord, pronounced "F major over C," is a unique chord that combines the F major triad with a C bass note. This slash chord creates a rich, harmonically complex sound suitable for various musical styles, from folk and country to rock and pop. Notable songs featuring the F/C chord include "Hey Jude" by The Beatles and "Wonderwall" by Oasis.

The most common way to play the F major over C chord on guitar is by using a barre chord on the 1st fret.

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

1. Place your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret, forming a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, use a downward motion starting from the 6th (low E) string, making sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to cleanly fret all the strings.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F major over C chord, try playing a Csus2 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and strum from the A string.

Playing the F major over C chord as a barre chord can make it easier to transition to and from other barre chords, and can also add a fuller sound to your playing.

Here's how to play a F major over C bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 1st fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The F major chord played over a C major chord (F/C) is often used to create a dreamy, wistful, or hopeful feeling in a chord progression. Here are some common chord progressions featuring this chord:

• I - III/I - vi - IV (C - F/C - Am - F) Used in "We Are Young" by Fun and "The Scientist" by Coldplay
• I - III/I - IV - V (C - F/C - F - G)
• I - vi - III/I - V (C - Am - F/C - G)
• I - III/I - ii - V (C - F/C - Dm - G)
• I - V/vi - vi - III/I (C - E/G# - Am - F/C)

To master the F major over C guitar chord, try arpeggios. Start by playing each note of the chord individually, ascending and descending. Focus on clean transitions between the notes and maintaining a steady rhythm. Repeat this drill at various tempos to build dexterity and comfort with the chord shape.

Another effective drill is to practice strumming patterns while holding the F major over C chord. Begin with simple patterns like down strums, then gradually incorporate up strums and syncopated rhythms. This will help you develop muscle memory and seamlessly transition to the chord during songs.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F major over C chord:

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (F, C, G, D7)
2. Let It Be by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F)
3. Stand By Me by Ben E. King (A, F#m, D, E)
4. Imagine by John Lennon (C, F, G)
5. Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (C, Am, F, G)
6. Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley (C, Em, Am, F, C, G)
7. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver (C, G, Am, F)
8. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, D, A7sus4)
9. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
10. Peaceful Easy Feeling by Eagles (E, A, E7, B7)