How to play the F#6 chord on guitar

The F#6 chord, pronounced "F sharp sixth," is a colorful and versatile chord that adds a touch of sophistication to any musical composition. Notable for its rich, jazzy sound, the F#6 chord is commonly used in genres such as jazz, R&B, and neo-soul. Its unique voicing, which includes the sixth scale degree, creates a dreamy and slightly melancholic atmosphere that captivates listeners.

The most common way to play the F#6 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 2nd fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a F#6 chord on your guitar:

1. Use your index finger to barre across all six strings at the 2nd fret.
2. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the F#6 chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to cleanly fret all the notes.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F#6 chord, try playing it as a four-finger open chord instead:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the low E string
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string
3. Leave the remaining strings open
4. Strum all six strings

The F#6 chord is typically played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for playing higher up the neck or transitioning to other chords more easily.

Here's how to play a F#6 bar chord:

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

The F#6 chord adds a dreamy and slightly jazzy flavor to progressions, often creating a sense of sophistication and emotional depth. Some common chord progressions featuring the F#6 chord include:

• I - vi - IV - V (F#6 - D#m7 - B6 - C#7)
• ii - V - I (G#m7 - C#7 - F#6)
• I - vi - ii - V (F#6 - D#m7 - G#m7 - C#7) Used in "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Misty"
• iii - vi - ii - V (A#m7 - D#m7 - G#m7 - C#7)
• I - IV - vii° - iii (F#6 - B6 - E#dim7 - A#m7)

Mastering the F#6 guitar chord can be challenging, but with focused practice, you'll be playing it effortlessly in no time. One effective drill is to play each note of the chord individually, focusing on clarity and tone. Start with the F#, then move to the A#, C#, and finally, the D#. Once you've played each note cleanly, try strumming the chord slowly, ensuring all notes ring out together.

Another helpful drill is to practice transitioning to and from the F#6 chord. Choose a simple progression, like F#6 to B, and play it repeatedly, gradually increasing your speed and fluidity.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F#6 chord.

1. Iris by Goo Goo Dolls (D, Bm, F#m, A, G)
2. Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers (D, F#m, Bm, G, A, E)
3. Yellow by Coldplay (A, E/G#, F#m, D)
4. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
5. Fix You by Coldplay (Eb, Bb, F, C, Dm, Fsus2)
6. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em, G, D, A7sus4)
7. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day (G, C, D, Em)
8. The Scientist by Coldplay (F, Dm, Bb, C)
9. Basket Case by Green Day (Eb, Ab, Bb, Cm, Gb)
10. All the Small Things by Blink-182 (C, G, F, Am)