Major · intermediate
F over A(F/A)
F major with A in the bass. It softens the low end and connects F to C with a smooth bass movement.
Notes
FAC
Intervals
R35
Finger placement
- APinky finger (4): fret 3 of the D string.
- BRing finger (3): fret 2 of the G string.
- CIndex finger (1): fret 1 of the B string.
- DIndex finger (1): fret 1 of the high E string.
Your progress
Not tracked yet
Sounding notes shown below · low E on the left
× Don’t play○ Open string1–4 Fingers● Root (ring)
Choose a string to hear its note.
String & finger reference
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 · low E | Muted | — | — |
| 5 · A | Open | — | A |
| 4 · D | 3 | 4 | F · root |
| 3 · G | 2 | 3 | A |
| 2 · B | 1 | 1 | C |
| 1 · high E | 1 | 1 | F · root |
Common mistakes
- Starting the strum on the wrong bass string changes the inversion.
- A fingertip touches an open string and stops it ringing.
Coaching tips
- Keep the A string open and use a small index barre across the top two strings.
- Play the bass note alone first, then strum the complete shape to hear the inversion.
Troubleshooting
The slash chord sounds like the plain chord
Check that the lowest note is A; start your strum on that bass string.
An open string is muted
Arch the fretting fingers and check the open strings one at a time before strumming.
Easier alternatives
- F
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the F over A chord?
F over A contains F, A, C — the intervals R, 3, 5 from the root F.
Is F over A a beginner chord?
F over A is rated intermediate. F major with A in the bass. It softens the low end and connects F to C with a smooth bass movement.
F over A: the slash chord sounds like the plain chord — what should I do?
Check that the lowest note is A; start your strum on that bass string.
F over A: an open string is muted — what should I do?
Arch the fretting fingers and check the open strings one at a time before strumming.