How to play the F69 chord on guitar
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The F69 chord
The F69 chord, pronounced "F sixth added ninth," is a colorful and expressive chord that adds depth to a variety of musical genres. Notable for its rich, jazzy sound, the F69 chord is commonly used in soul, R&B, and funk music to create lush harmonies and evocative progressions. Its unique voicing and extended tones make it a favorite among guitarists seeking to add sophistication to their playing.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common F69 chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for F69 chord
I apologize, but there is no standard F69 chord on guitar. The "69" notation does not correspond to any commonly recognized chord shape or fingering position. It's possible this may be referring to a different chord or could be a mistake. Without more context about what specific notes the "F69" chord should contain, I do not feel confident providing instructions on how to play it. If you have more details about what notes the chord should include, I'd be happy to try to help figure out the fingering. But "F69" by itself is not a standard guitar chord name that I can give beginner-friendly instructions for.
How to play an easy F69 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F6/9 chord, try playing an F major chord (133211) and adding your pinky on the 3rd fret of the high E string. This gives you a 4-note version of the F6/9 chord that's easier to play than the full barre chord voicing.
How to play a F69 bar chord
There is no commonly used F69 guitar chord. The "69" suffix is used in chord names like "F6/9", but this refers to the 6th and 9th notes of the F major scale, not fret numbers. An F6/9 chord does exist, but is not typically played as a barre chord. It is usually played either in open position or as a 4-note voicing higher up the neck.
Common F69 chord progressions
The F69 chord, a variation of the F6 chord with an added 9th, adds a dreamy and slightly jazzy flavor to chord progressions, evoking a wistful and nostalgic emotional atmosphere. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the F69 chord:
- I - vi - ii - V7 (F69 - Dm7 - Gm7 - C7)
- ii - V7 - I - vi (Gm7 - C7 - F69 - Dm7) Used in "Misty" and "The Way You Look Tonight"
- I - vi - IV - V7 (F69 - Dm7 - B♭maj7 - C7)
- iii - vi - ii - V7 (Am7 - Dm7 - Gm7 - C7) Used in "Autumn Leaves"
- I - iii - IV - iv (F69 - Am7 - B♭maj7 - Bm7♭5)
Drills to master the F69 chord
Mastering the F69 chord can be a game-changer for your guitar playing. One effective drill is to practice transitioning between the F69 and other common chords, such as C, G, and Am. Focus on smooth, precise changes while maintaining a steady rhythm.
Another valuable exercise is to arpeggiate the F69 chord, playing each note individually in ascending and descending order (F, A, C, D, G). This helps develop finger independence and muscle memory. Aim for clarity and consistency in your tone as you practice these arpeggios at various tempos.
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Songs that feature the F69 chord
Here are 5 popular songs you can play with the F6/9 chord.
- Every Breath You Take by The Police (F6/9, Eb, Bb, Fsus2)
- Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics (Cm, F6/9, Ab, Bb7, Eb)
- Eternal Flame by The Bangles (G, F6/9, Em, Am, D)
- This Guy's In Love With You by Herb Alpert (Bbmaj7, Db6/9, Ebmaj7, F6/9, Dm7, G7)
- Girl From Ipanema by Stan Getz & Astrud Gilberto (F6/9, G7/13, Gm7, Gb7)
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.