How to play the F major over E chord on guitar
Unleash the sound of "Landslide" and "Fast Car" with this essential guitar technique.
The F major over E chord
The F chord, pronounced "F major over E," is a unique guitar voicing that adds a rich, jazzy flavor to progressions. By playing an F major triad over an open E string, the chord creates an intriguing blend of major and suspended tonalities. The F/E is notably used in popular songs across various genres, from folk to indie rock, adding a distinctive harmonic color.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common F major over E chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for F major over E chord
The most common way to play the F major over E chord on guitar is on the 1st fret.
Follow these finger positions to play a F major over E chord on your guitar:
- Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to strum down across all six strings in one smooth motion.
How to play an easy F major over E chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F major over E chord, try playing an F major triad on the top three strings. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st (high E) string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
How to play a F major over E bar chord
Playing an F major over E barre chord can be a great way to add variety and richness to your guitar playing, especially when transitioning between chords.
Here's how to play an F major over E barre chord:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 1st fret, creating a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.
Common F major over E chord progressions
The F major over E chord, also known as Fmaj7/E or F/E, adds a dreamy and contemplative feel to chord progressions. It often serves as a transitional chord, creating a sense of movement and resolution. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the F major over E chord:
- I - V<sup>6</sup>/ii - ii - V (C - F/E - Dm - G)
- vi - V<sup>6</sup>/ii - IV - V (Am - F/E - F - G). Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley.
- ii - V<sup>6</sup>/ii - V (Dm - F/E - G)
- iii - V<sup>6</sup>/ii - vi - IV (Em - F/E - Am - F)
- IV - V<sup>6</sup>/ii - I - vi (F - F/E - C - Am)
Drills to master the F major over E chord
To master the F major over E guitar chord, try this simple drill: play each note of the chord individually, starting with the lowest note and ascending to the highest. Focus on cleanly fretting and picking each note, ensuring they ring out clearly. Once comfortable, play the notes in reverse order, descending from the highest to the lowest.
Another effective drill is to play the chord as an arpeggio, plucking each note one at a time in a flowing, rhythmic pattern. Experiment with different arpeggio patterns and rhythms to develop dexterity and familiarity with the chord shape.
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Songs that feature the F major over E chord
Here are 3 popular songs you can play with the F major over E chord:
- Lonely Boy by The Black Keys (Em, C, G, F#m, F, E)
- First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes (C, F, G)
- A Man Without Love by Engelbert Humperdinck (C, F, G, E7, Am)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.