How long did it take you to master the F chord?

[kiethf]

That effin F chord!

I’ve been a casual strummer for years and earlier this year I started to take playing much more seriously than I ever have. I see “mastering the F chord” as a bit of a milestone but its taking ages. I’ve gathered many practice tips but progress is very slow and I’m still not very close to making seamless transitions.

How long did it take you?

[upper peninsula]

I'll let you know when it happens.....

[SongwriterFan]

Originally Posted by upper peninsula

I'll let you know when it happens.....

You stole my line.

[TBman]

I don't remember, but if you hit the bass F first, it gives you a little more time to set it up. The Bm barre at the 2nd fret is a good stepping stone to the F barre. Practice the F barre shape at the higher frets where it is easier.

Also, there are alot of situations where you just really need the F bass and the C F & A notes, with the c and f notes on the 2nd and 1st strings not really necessary. It depends on the song. If you are accompanying a singer, no one will notice.

[WigginsPlayer]

When I was first learning, the F chord dealt me untold misery. I finally learned to use a barre chord instead of the open fret F chord. From that, I began using a variation of the barre chord, but with using my index finger. Basically it is an E chord on the second fret but with my index finger only covering the 1st and 2nd strings and playing the E chord as if it were a barre chord.
I don't know if all that was clear, but I tried!

[Simon Fay]

Hey Kiethf,
I think most people who practice the guitar 10 or so minutes a day can usually master the G, C, D, E, A, chords within a month and the Bm barre chord and the F within 2 months. If you find that it is taking you longer than that, you either may have poor fretting posture or your fingers might just have a hard time with those chords. As always, the only solution is to practice!!!

As far as being able to make very smooth transitions from chord to chord - I've found that it takes most people a year or two to really be able to move effortlessly. Of course, natural talent is a huge factor as well.

Best of luck,

[Stretch3]

Isn't there different variations of the F-Chord.

I've seen it done without the bass strings, with the two lightest strings being barred at the first fret, and the third string pressed at the second fret, fourth string fretted at the third fret.

Although, the full barre chord gives it that UMHP! to it if you need it for the song.

[SongwriterFan]

Originally Posted by WigginsPlayer

Basically it is an E chord on the second fret but with my index finger only covering the 1st and 2nd strings and playing the E chord as if it were a barre chord.

Isn't that the way EVERYBODY first learns it?

Or am I missing some other, more obvious, hopefully EASIER way?

[Bern]

Play the F minor to build strength first. It's easier...

[fishstick]

Originally Posted by macosx

the only solution is to practice!!!

I agree with macosx, but also wanted to add that a good, proper setup and right size string selection can make a WORLD of difference. If the guitar is setup properly, that's more than half the battle.

I just got rid of my very first guitar, it was a Viking, about 30 years old. Looking back, I have know idea how I managed to play anything on that guitar. The setup was incredibley high. It hurt my fingers just to make an open chord.

Greg

[Gunny]

I have a harder time with F#m

[bobbyg67]

i play it like this instead of barring it. i only use barre chords past the fifth position. i can play all six strings this way even with an F chord.

[Dave_N]

Put a capo on the first fret and then just play an "E".

Problem solved.

Next question?

[Sage97]

Originally Posted by bobbyg67

i play it like this instead of barring it. i only use barre chords past the fifth position. i can play all six strings this way even with an F chord.

Either that's an electric or you are a giant!

[Kabookie]

Originally Posted by Bern

Play the F minor to build strength first. It's easier...

Cool tip for newbies and oldies alike, Bern. Regards....Kabookie