Guitar Lesson 8 - Guitar chords F, Fm, B7, B

You should be starting to get the hang of playing the guitar now. You've now learned 7 chords, played a few simple chord progressions and played a finger exercising scale. After learning the chords you may be wondering why I skipped F and B. Well, I wanted place the easier chords up first, B is a rather tricky chord and it's not easy to transition to, as a matter a fact, I've left B as optional and in it's place is B7 a much easier chord to play. F, on the other hand, isn't too hard - may be a little tough at first. F also introduces a new way of playing a chord which is called barre chords, we'll get into that later. Please note: On the F Chord if you have small hands you might have trouble with it.

F Chord

Tab F Chord Chart F Chord Image 
|--1--| 
|--1--| 
|--2--| 
|--3--| 
|--3--| 
|--1--|
Guitar F Chord Diagram Guitar F Chord Image


Part 1 (blesson8p1_F.wav):
When you look at the layout for F, you'll notice it's basically an E chord played one fret up. The major difference is that you have to lay your whole 1st finger across the first fret of each string. If this gives you to much of a problem, then just place your first finger across the strings 1 and 2. To me it's sounds just as good. However, try and play it as shown above and you'll have no problem picking up barre chords!

Play the chord:
1. Place your 1st finger across all six strings and press down on the 1st fret of each string.
2. Place your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
3. Place your 4th finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th string.
4. Place your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.
5. Strum down from the 6th string.

Fm (Minor) Chord

Fm Chord Tab Fm Chord Chart 
|--1---|
|--1---|
|--1---|
|--3---|
|--3---|
|--1---|
F Minor Chord


Part 2 (blesson8p2_Fm.wav):
Just like F is like E, Fm is like Em. If you have mastered the F chord then playing F minor is very easy. All you need to do is remove your 2nd finger, the first finger is still pressing down and will play the first fret.

Play the chord:
1. Place your 1st finger across all six strings and press down on the 1st fret of each string.
2. Place your 4th finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th string.
3. Place your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.
4. Strum down from the 6th string.

B7 Chord

B7 Chord Tab B7 Chord Chart B7 Chord Image 
E|--2---|
B|--0---|
G|--2---|
D|--1---|
A|--2---|
E|--X---|
B7 Chord Tab
 Guitar B7 Chord Diagram
Chord B7 Chart
 Guitar B7 Chord Image
B7 Chord Picture


Part 3 (blesson8p3_B7.wav):
To play the chord:
1. Place your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string.
2. Place your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 4th string.
3. Place your 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
4. Place your 4th finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string.
5. Strum down from the 5th string.

Remember to keep your fingers arched so you don't mute other strings. This chord is a bit tricky but as with anything you do on the guitar - practice makes perfect.

B chord (optional)

B Chord Tab B Chord Chart 

E|---X---|
B|---4---|
G|---4---|
D|---4---|
A|---2---|
E|---X---|
B Chord


Part 4
I don't have much to say about this chord becuase I don't really like it. It's not easy to play or transition to, especially for beginners. I figure I'd put it up just so you know it exists.





Move on to Lesson 9