How to play the F major over G chord on guitar

The F chord, pronounced "F major over G," is a unique and versatile guitar chord. It combines the rich tones of an F major chord with the added bass note of G, creating a lush and full sound. This chord is often used in jazz, funk, and R&B music to add depth and sophistication to progressions. Notable songs featuring the F/G chord include "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye.

The most common way to play the F major over G chord on guitar is on the 3rd fret.

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

1. Barre your index finger across the 1st (E), 2nd (B), 3rd (G), 4th (D), 5th (A), and 6th (low E) strings on the 3rd fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to play downstrokes, hitting all six strings. Optionally, you can add upstrokes between the downstrokes for a more dynamic sound.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F major over G chord, try playing an F major triad on the top three strings (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) at the first fret, while simultaneously playing the open G string (3rd string). This creates a simpler "F/G" chord that still captures the essential harmony.

Playing the F major over G chord as a barre chord can make it easier to transition to and from other chords, while also providing a fuller sound.

Here's how to play an F major over G barre chord:

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

The F major chord played over a G bass note creates a suspended sound that adds tension and anticipation to chord progressions, often evoking a dreamy or wistful emotional feel. Some common chord progressions featuring this technique include:

• I - IV - I/VII - IV (G - C - F/G - C)
• I - V - I/VII - IV (G - D - F/G - C)
• I - I/VII - IV - V (G - F/G - C - D)
• I - vi - I/VII - V (G - Em - F/G - D) Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis
• ii - V - I - I/VII (Am - D - G - F/G)

To master the F major over G guitar chord, try this simple drill: play each note of the chord individually, starting with the lowest note (G) and ascending to the highest (C). Focus on playing each note cleanly and consistently. Once you're comfortable with this, try playing the notes in reverse order, descending from C to G.

Another effective drill is to play the chord as an arpeggio, plucking each note one after another in a repeated pattern. Experiment with different rhythms and tempos to build your dexterity and familiarity with the chord shape.

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

1. Let It Be by The Beatles (G, D, Em, C, Am, F/G)
2. Hey Jude by The Beatles (F, C, G, Dm, F/G)
3. Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am7, F/G)
4. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (F, C, Am, G, F/G)
5. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, D, A7sus4, F/G)
6. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G, F/G)
7. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Em, G, D, Am, C, F/G)
8. Hotel California by Eagles (Am, E7, G, D, F, C, Dm, F/G)
9. Stand By Me by Ben E. King (A, F#m, D, E, F/G)
10. Redemption Song by Bob Marley (G, Em, C, Am, F/G)