F♯ minor chord on piano
F♯m is a minor chord built on F♯. It uses the notes F♯ - A - C♯ and sounds darker, softer and more emotional. It is also written as G♭ minor.
- Notes
- F♯ A C♯
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - 5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- F♯m
How to play F♯m step by step
- Find F♯. F♯ is the first black key in each group of three. The same key is also called G♭.
- Add A, 3 half steps above F♯.
- Add C♯, 7 half steps above F♯.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
F♯m inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Which keys use the F♯m chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. F♯m appears naturally in these keys:
Songs that use F♯m
Practice F♯m inside real music. These tutorials use it in the left-hand accompaniment:
- Canon in D (easy-intermediate, D major)
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the F♯ minor chord?
The F♯ minor chord (F♯m) contains 3 notes: F♯, A, C♯. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - 5.
How do you play F♯m on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on F♯ and play F♯, A, C♯ together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.
Is F♯ minor the same as G♭ minor?
Yes. F♯ minor and G♭ minor use exactly the same piano keys. The name you see depends on the key signature of the piece.