Fm Ukulele Chord

Fm is the F minor chord. It has three notes: F, A flat and C. The standard shape frets the G and E strings at the 1st fret and reaches the ring finger to the 3rd fret of the A string, with the C string ringing open.

Index and middle at the 1st fret of the G and E strings, ring at the 3rd fret of the A string, open C ringing in the middle.

How to play Fm on ukulele, step by step

Index finger: 1st fret, G string
Middle finger: 1st fret, E string
Ring finger: 3rd fret, A string
Leave the C string open. Strum all four strings.

Compared with F major, the G string drops one fret, A natural falling to A flat, and the ring finger adds a C at the 3rd fret of the A string, because the open A no longer belongs in the chord.

More ways to play Fm

There are 3 common Fm shapes: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these further up the neck. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Fm ukulele chord diagram, frets 3 to 5, played 5543 — Frets 3 to 5

Fm ukulele chord diagram, frets 5 to 8, played 5888 — Frets 5 to 8

If it sounds wrong

The open C string is muffled: The index and middle frame it at the 1st fret. Arch both so the open string can ring between them; it is the fifth of the chord.
The reach to the 3rd fret drags the hand over: Let the ring finger travel alone. The wrist stays where the 1st fret pair put it.
It sounds almost right but sour: Check the G string is at the 1st fret, not the 2nd. One fret too high puts F major's A natural back into a minor chord.

What makes it an Fm

F · A♭ · C 1 ♭3 5

Fm is a minor triad: F, a minor third A flat, and a fifth C. The ukulele donates the fifth: the open C string rings in the middle of the shape, so a chord from a four flat key needs only three fingers.

Fm is the relative minor of A flat major and the ii chord of E flat, keys that belong to soul, gospel and horn arrangements. On the ukulele it most often appears as a passing colour: the move from F to Fm and back is one of the oldest ending tricks there is.

Fm vs F

F major carries an A natural twice, on the open A string and the 2nd fret of the G string. Fm flattens that note to A flat and has to rebuild the shape to do it: the G string drops to the 1st fret and the ring finger claims a C on the A string.

Play F, then Fm, and hold each for a bar. The half step falling inside the chord is a classic songwriting move, and on these two shapes you can watch it happen.

Fm chord questions

Is Fm hard on the ukulele?

No. Three fingers and an open string; the only work is the small reach to the 3rd fret. It is much friendlier than the guitar version.

What is the difference between Fm and F?

The third: F major has an A natural, Fm has an A flat. The shapes differ on the G and A strings, but the note that changes is that one.

Why is the C string open?

C is the fifth of the chord, so the tuning provides it free. The fretted notes supply the root and the flat third.

Is there another way to play Fm?

Yes: 5543 at frets 3 to 5 keeps the same notes with no open string, and it slides. The same grip anywhere on the neck is another minor chord.

What keys use Fm?

It is the ii chord of E flat, the vi chord of A flat, and the home chord of F minor.