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Difference between revisions of "F Major Chord"

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{{Beginner Lesson Crumbs|14}}
  
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The '''F major chord''' consists of the F, A, and C notes.  It is the '''IV chord''' in the key of C Major.
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|Guitar Parts and Functions|Parts
 
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|Holding the Guitar and Pick|Playing
 
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|Basic Technique|Technique
 
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|Tuning and Harmonics|Tuning
 
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|Music Theory Basics|Theory
 
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|Position|Position
 
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|1st String|1st String
 
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|1st and 2nd Strings - Intervals|Intervals
 
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|2nd and 3rd Strings|2nd/3rd Strings
 
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|4th, 5th, and 6th Strings|Other Strings
 
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|C Major in Open Position and Alternate Picking|Alt. Picking
 
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|C Major Chord|C Major
 
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|G Major Chord|G Major
 
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|F Major Chord|F Major
 
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|E Minor, D Minor, and A Minor Chords|Minor Chords
 
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|Music Theory - Diatonic Chord Progressions|Progressions}}
 
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The '''''F Major chord''''' consists of the '''F''', '''A''', and '''C''' notes.  It is the IV chord in the key of C Major.
 
  
 
== PreReqs ==
 
== PreReqs ==
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|F Major Chord#Open Position F Major Chord|Open F
 
|F Major Chord#Open Position F Major Chord|Open F
 
|F Major Chord#Harmonic Theory: Sub-Dominant Chord|Theory: Sub-Dominant}}
 
|F Major Chord#Harmonic Theory: Sub-Dominant Chord|Theory: Sub-Dominant}}
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 +
Here are the open position chord shapes for F major.  Note, that although these chords are in open position, most of them do not use open strings, as E, D, G, B, and E are not part of the F major chord (F A C).
  
 
{|
 
{|
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! Barre !! Alt !! 1st Inv. !! 2nd Inv.
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! Root Pos. !! Barre  !! 1st Inv. !! 2nd Inv.
 
|-
 
|-
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|
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'''F'''  ||i|-|-|-|
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'''C'''  ||i|-|-|-|
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'''A'''  ||-|m|-|-|
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'''F'''  ||-|-|r|-|
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''' '''  ||-|-|-|-|
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''' '''  ||-|-|-|-|
 
|
 
|
 
  '''F'''  ||i|-|-|-|
 
  '''F'''  ||i|-|-|-|
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  '''C'''  ||)|-|r|-|
 
  '''C'''  ||)|-|r|-|
 
  '''F'''  ||i|-|-|-|
 
  '''F'''  ||i|-|-|-|
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|
 
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'''F'''  ||i|-|-|-|
 
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'''C'''  ||i|-|-|-|
 
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'''A'''  ||-|m|-|-|
 
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'''F'''  ||-|-|r|-|
 
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''' '''  ||-|-|-|-|
 
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''' '''  ||-|-|-|-|
 
 
|
 
|
 
  '''F'''  ||i|-|-|-|
 
  '''F'''  ||i|-|-|-|
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|}
 
|}
  
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The first chart shows the classic rock position and fingering.  Notice how the index finger is used on multiple frets.  This is done by flattening the finger and using the fingerprint to cover two or sometimes even three strings. The first chart is a bit different, using the index on not only the 1st and 2nd strings, but also the 6th.  This is done by using a ''barre chord''.
+
The first chart shows the typical classical voicing, at least for beginners.  Notice how the index finger is used on multiple frets.  This is done by flattening the finger and using the fingerprint to cover two or sometimes even three strings.
 +
 
 +
The next chart is a bit different, using the index on not only the 1st and 2nd strings, but also the 6th.  This is done by using a ''barre'' chord.
 +
 
 +
{{top}}
  
 
=== First Barre Chord ===
 
=== First Barre Chord ===
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Barre chords are formed by flattening the index finger and using the entire finger to fret all or most of the strings.  They are akin to moving the nut (or a capo) up the fretboard.  Your other 3 fingers are able to form whatever shape is necessary to make virtually any chord desired.
+
'''Barre chords''' are formed by flattening the index finger and using the entire finger to fret all or most of the strings.  They are akin to moving the nut (or a capo) up the fretboard.  Your other 3 fingers are able to form whatever shape is necessary to make virtually any chord desired.  Barre chords are covered in depth in a [[Barre Chords|later lesson]].
  
 
This F chord contains a standard root-fifth-octave power chord in the bass, which gives it a stronger rock feel.
 
This F chord contains a standard root-fifth-octave power chord in the bass, which gives it a stronger rock feel.
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The Alt 1 is the classical way to play an F Major chord.  It drops the bass power chord, giving it a more focused feel on the strong major chord harmony.
 
  
 
==Harmonic Theory: Sub-Dominant Chord==
 
==Harmonic Theory: Sub-Dominant Chord==
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|F Major Chord#Harmonic Theory: Sub-Dominant Chord|Theory: Sub-Dominant}}
 
|F Major Chord#Harmonic Theory: Sub-Dominant Chord|Theory: Sub-Dominant}}
  
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The F is a perfect fourth interval above C.  In the key of C Major, the F Major chord is thus called the ''IV chord'' (that's the roman numeral four, not "ivv").  Its notes are the perfect 4th, major 6th, and octave (tonic) above the tonic note of the key.
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F is the 4th note of the C Major scale.  The F Major chord is thus called the '''IV chord''' (that's the roman numeral four, not the letters 'i' and 'v').  Its notes are the perfect 4th, major 6th, and octave (tonic) above the tonic note of the key.
  
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The transition from a I chord to a IV chord involves moving the 3rd of the I chord up a half step to become the root of the IV chord and the 5th of the I up a whole step to become the 3rd of the IV.  This is a stepwise motion for a minor third interval to a major third interval.  For example, in the key of C Major, the E and G of the I chord are a minor third.  They ascend to F and A, a major third.
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    C    F    A    C    - Notes
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B--1----6----10---13-
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    |-P4-|              \
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    |---M6----|          > distances from the tonic note of the C Major key
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    |-----Oct------|    /
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        U              \
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        |-M3-|          > distances from the root note of the F major chord
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        |---P5----|    /
  
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The root of the I chord is the 5th of the IV chord, requiring no change.
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The transition from a I chord to a IV chord involves moving the 3rd of the I chord (E) up a half step to become the root of the IV chord (F) and the 5th of the I (G) up a whole step to become the 3rd of the IV (A).  This is a parallel stepwise motion for a minor third interval to a major third interval.  ''That means each note moves one note in the scale in the same direction.''  For example, in the key of C Major, the E and G of the I chord are a minor third.  They ascend to F and A, a major third.  The root of the I chord is the 5th of the IV chord, requiring no change.
  
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The transition from IV to I is just the reverse.  Stepwise motion along a scale is natural progression, in either direction.  The main tension is resolving the leading tone; however, neither the I nor IV chords have the leading tone.  Overall, moving from the I to IV chord creates tension, simply because we are moving away from the tonic chord.  Similarly, the IV - I progression tends to reduce tension.
+
The transition from IV to I is just the reverse.  Stepwise motion along a scale is natural progression, in either direction.  The main tension is resolving the leading tone; however, neither the I nor IV chords have the leading tone.  Overall, moving from the I to IV chord creates tension, simply because we are moving away from the tonic chord.  Similarly, the IV - I progression tends to reduce tension.  However, the IV chord is not as tense as the V chord, and the IV - I resolution is not as strong as V - I.
 +
 
 +
All of the notes of the IV chord are 1 step away from the notes of the V chord.  This makes the IV chord a natural choice to progress into the V chord, giving it a '''pre-dominant function''' in terms of harmony.  Tension increases from the I to the IV, then further from the IV to the V.
  
 
     C    F/C    C
 
     C    F/C    C
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  E--------------------------
 
  E--------------------------
  
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And here is I - IV - V - I, a very basic chord progression.
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And here is I - IV - V - I, a very basic chord progression.  You can feel the tension increasing through the progression, finally relieved at the final I chord.
  
 
Notice I'm using inversions for the IV and V chord here.  This is to keep the bassline rather static.  When the bass jumps around too much, it's easy to focus on the bass note movement rather than the harmonic content of each chord.  This is better voice leading as well.
 
Notice I'm using inversions for the IV and V chord here.  This is to keep the bassline rather static.  When the bass jumps around too much, it's easy to focus on the bass note movement rather than the harmonic content of each chord.  This is better voice leading as well.
 +
 +
{{top}}
  
 
== Homework ==
 
== Homework ==
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Know that the F Major chord consists of F, A, and C.
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* Know that the F major chord consists of (F A C).
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* Know that F major is the IV chord in the key of C Major, and that it has a sub-dominant function.
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Learn the shapes for the open position F Major chord and get comfortable playing them.
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* Know that the IV chord is called the sub-dominant and can resolve to tonic or transition to dominant to increase tension.
−
 
+
* Learn the shapes for the open position F Major chord and get comfortable playing them.
−
Know that the IV chord is called the sub-dominant and can resolve to tonic or transition to dominant to increase tension. Practice the sample progressions, taking note of the tension that the IV chord creates. Compare the IV - I resolution to the V - I resolution.
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* Practice the sample progressions, taking note of the tension that the IV chord creates.
 +
* Compare the IV - I resolution to the V - I resolution.
  
 
==Q/A==
 
==Q/A==
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* [[Other Open String Chords]]
 
* [[Other Open String Chords]]
  
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{{top}}
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|Guitar Parts and Functions|Parts
+
 
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|Holding the Guitar and Pick|Playing
+
{{Beginner Lesson Crumbs|14}}
−
|Basic Technique|Technique
 
−
|Tuning and Harmonics|Tuning
 
−
|Music Theory Basics|Theory
 
−
|Position|Position
 
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|1st String|1st String
 
−
|1st and 2nd Strings - Intervals|Intervals
 
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|2nd and 3rd Strings|2nd/3rd Strings
 
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|4th, 5th, and 6th Strings|Other Strings
 
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|C Major in Open Position and Alternate Picking|Alt. Picking
 
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|C Major Chord|C Major
 
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|G Major Chord|G Major
 
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|F Major Chord|F Major
 
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|E Minor, D Minor, and A Minor Chords|Minor Chords
 
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|Music Theory - Diatonic Chord Progressions|Progressions}}
 
  
 
[[Category:Guitar]]
 
[[Category:Guitar]]

Latest revision as of 21:34, 11 June 2015

The F major chord consists of the F, A, and C notes. It is the IV chord in the key of C Major.

PreReqs

Open Position F Major Chord

Here are the open position chord shapes for F major. Note, that although these chords are in open position, most of them do not use open strings, as E, D, G, B, and E are not part of the F major chord (F A C).

Root Pos. Barre 1st Inv. 2nd Inv. 
F  ||i|-|-|-|
C  ||i|-|-|-|
A  ||-|m|-|-|
F  ||-|-|r|-|
   ||-|-|-|-|
   ||-|-|-|-|

F  ||i|-|-|-|
C  ||i|-|-|-|
A  ||)|m|-|-|
F  ||)|-|p|-|
C  ||)|-|r|-|
F  ||i|-|-|-|

F  ||i|-|-|-|
C  ||i|-|-|-|
A  ||-|m|-|-|
F  ||-|-|r|-|
A  o|-|-|-|-|
   ||-|-|-|-|

F  ||i|-|-|-|
C  ||i|-|-|-|
A  ||-|m|-|-|
F  ||-|-|p|-|
C  ||-|-|r|-|
   ||-|-|-|-|

The first chart shows the typical classical voicing, at least for beginners. Notice how the index finger is used on multiple frets. This is done by flattening the finger and using the fingerprint to cover two or sometimes even three strings.

The next chart is a bit different, using the index on not only the 1st and 2nd strings, but also the 6th. This is done by using a barre chord.

Top

First Barre Chord

Barre chords are formed by flattening the index finger and using the entire finger to fret all or most of the strings. They are akin to moving the nut (or a capo) up the fretboard. Your other 3 fingers are able to form whatever shape is necessary to make virtually any chord desired. Barre chords are covered in depth in a later lesson.

This F chord contains a standard root-fifth-octave power chord in the bass, which gives it a stronger rock feel.

Harmonic Theory: Sub-Dominant Chord

F is the 4th note of the C Major scale. The F Major chord is thus called the IV chord (that's the roman numeral four, not the letters 'i' and 'v'). Its notes are the perfect 4th, major 6th, and octave (tonic) above the tonic note of the key. 

   C    F    A    C    - Notes
B--1----6----10---13-
   |-P4-|              \
   |---M6----|          > distances from the tonic note of the C Major key
   |-----Oct------|    /
        U              \
        |-M3-|          > distances from the root note of the F major chord
        |---P5----|    /

The transition from a I chord to a IV chord involves moving the 3rd of the I chord (E) up a half step to become the root of the IV chord (F) and the 5th of the I (G) up a whole step to become the 3rd of the IV (A). This is a parallel stepwise motion for a minor third interval to a major third interval. That means each note moves one note in the scale in the same direction. For example, in the key of C Major, the E and G of the I chord are a minor third. They ascend to F and A, a major third. The root of the I chord is the 5th of the IV chord, requiring no change.

The transition from IV to I is just the reverse. Stepwise motion along a scale is natural progression, in either direction. The main tension is resolving the leading tone; however, neither the I nor IV chords have the leading tone. Overall, moving from the I to IV chord creates tension, simply because we are moving away from the tonic chord. Similarly, the IV - I progression tends to reduce tension. However, the IV chord is not as tense as the V chord, and the IV - I resolution is not as strong as V - I.

All of the notes of the IV chord are 1 step away from the notes of the V chord. This makes the IV chord a natural choice to progress into the V chord, giving it a pre-dominant function in terms of harmony. Tension increases from the I to the IV, then further from the IV to the V. 

   C    F/C     C
   I     IV     I
E--0-----1------0----
B--1-----1------1----
G--0-----2------0----
D--2-----3------2----
A--3-----3------3----
E--------------------

Here we can hear the transition from I to IV and back to I. Rather peaceful, yes? 

   C    F/C    G/B    C
   I     IV     V     I
E--0-----1------3-----0----
B--1-----1------0-----1----
G--0-----2------0-----0----
D--2-----3------0-----2----
A--3-----3------2-----3----
E--------------------------

And here is I - IV - V - I, a very basic chord progression. You can feel the tension increasing through the progression, finally relieved at the final I chord.

Notice I'm using inversions for the IV and V chord here. This is to keep the bassline rather static. When the bass jumps around too much, it's easy to focus on the bass note movement rather than the harmonic content of each chord. This is better voice leading as well.

Top

Homework

  • Know that the F major chord consists of (F A C).
  • Know that F major is the IV chord in the key of C Major, and that it has a sub-dominant function.
  • Know that the IV chord is called the sub-dominant and can resolve to tonic or transition to dominant to increase tension.
  • Learn the shapes for the open position F Major chord and get comfortable playing them.
  • Practice the sample progressions, taking note of the tension that the IV chord creates.
  • Compare the IV - I resolution to the V - I resolution.

Q/A

Related Lessons

Top
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