Piano chord
FF major
- F1
- A3
- C5
- Notes
- 3
- Positions
- 3
- Span
- 7semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-5
How to play F on piano
- Find F: it is the root and the lowest note of the chord in root position.
- Right hand: 1 on F, 3 on A, 5 on C.
- Or with the left hand: 5 on F, 3 on A, 1 on C.
- Press the keys together, with curved fingers and a loose wrist, and let them ring.
Root position · F – A – C
1st inversion · A – C – F
2nd inversion · C – F – A
Numbers on the keys are fingers: 1 thumb, 2 index, 3 middle, 4 ring, 5 little finger.
F inversions
Here are all 3 positions of F. The notes stay the same, only their order changes: root position has F at the bottom, and every inversion starts on the next chord tone.
- Root positionbass: FRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 1st inversionbass: ARight hand 1-2-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 2nd inversionbass: CRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-2-1
Chords that go with F
The other chords of F major, the key where F is home (I). Songs in this key move between them.
F with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays F an octave lower, the right hand plays F–A–C.
F on other instruments
About the F chord
The 3 notes of F major are F (1), A (3), C (5). A major triad: a major third and a perfect fifth over F. It is the most common chord in music and sounds bright and stable.
Put your thumb on F and count up: F – A – C. The whole chord spans 7 semitones from bottom to top. That fits inside an octave, so one hand covers F without stretching.
The inversions of F keep the same notes in a new order. In the 1st inversion the bass is A (A–C–F). In the 2nd inversion the bass is C (C–F–A).
Take E♭ out of F7 and you get F.
F belongs to C major (IV), F major (I), B flat major (V), A minor (VI), D minor (III).
Questions
What notes are in the F chord?
F (F major) has 3 notes: F (1), A (3), C (5).
How many inversions does F have?
F can be played in 3 positions: Root position (F–A–C); 1st inversion (A–C–F); 2nd inversion (C–F–A).
What is the difference between F and F7?
Take E♭ out of F7 and you get F.
Can I play F with one hand?
Yes. In root position F spans 7 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.