How to play the F6 chord on guitar

The F6 chord, pronounced "F sixth," is a colorful and versatile chord that adds a touch of sophistication to your guitar playing. It's built on the foundation of an F major triad with an added sixth note, creating a rich and dreamy sound. The F6 chord is commonly used in genres like jazz, soul, and R&B, and can be heard in popular songs.

The F6 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 1st fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a F6 chord on your guitar:

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

To strum the F6 chord, use a downward motion to play all six strings simultaneously. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to properly fret all the strings in the barre.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F6 chord, try playing an F major chord instead. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st (E) string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.

The F6 guitar chord is typically played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can make it easier to transition between chords and add variety to your playing.

Here's how to play an F6 barre chord:

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

The F6 chord is often used in progressions to add a dreamy, nostalgic, or bittersweet feel to a song. Some common chord progressions featuring the F6 chord include:

• I - vi - IV - V (F6 - Dm - Bb - C)
• ii - V - I (Gm7 - C7 - F6) Used in "Stella by Starlight"
• I - vi - ii - V (F6 - Dm - Gm - C)
• iii - vi - ii - V (Am - Dm - Gm - C)
• vi - IV - I - V (Dm - Bb - F6 - C) Used in "Still Crazy After All These Years" by Paul Simon

Mastering the F6 chord on guitar can be achieved through targeted drills. One effective exercise is to play each note of the chord individually, focusing on clarity and precision. Strum the F, then the A, followed by the C and D notes separately, ensuring each rings out cleanly.

Another drill involves transitioning between the F6 chord and other common chords, such as C or G. Practice switching back and forth smoothly, maintaining a steady rhythm. Over time, your fingers will develop muscle memory, making the F6 chord feel more natural and effortless to play.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F6 chord.

1. Purple Rain by Prince (F, C, Dm, Bb)
2. Santeria by Sublime (D, Bm, G, A)
3. Sugar, We're Goin Down by Fall Out Boy (G, Gm, F, C)
4. Lady Madonna by The Beatles (A, D, F, G, C)
5. Daughters by John Mayer (F#m, D, A)
6. No Woman, No Cry by Bob Marley & The Wailers (C, G, Am, F)
7. Runaway by Kanye West (F#m, E, D)
8. All You Need Is Love by The Beatles (G, D, Em, G7, D7)
9. Landslide by Fleetwood Mac (Eb, Bb, F, C)
10. Clocks by Coldplay (Eb, Bb, F)