F♯ minor (F♯m) chord on piano

The F♯ minor chord (F♯m) is a minor triad, made of three notes: F♯ – A – C♯. The same chord with a different spelling: G♭ minor (G♭m).

Root position: F♯4 – A4 – C♯5

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What the F♯m chord sounds like

A minor triad differs from a major one only in the third: it has a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder colour. In a major key, chords ii, iii and vi are minor.

Notes of the F♯m chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	F♯	root
3	A	minor third (3 semitones)
5	C♯	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

F♯4 – A4 – C♯5

1st inversion

A4 – C♯5 – F♯5

2nd inversion

C♯5 – F♯5 – A5

Which keys is it in?

The F♯m chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

F♯ minor: i (tonic)
B minor: v (dominant)
C♯ minor: iv (subdominant)
D major: iii
A major: vi
E major: ii

Similar chords and substitutes

If F♯m is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

A – relative major: two shared notes
D – the major chord a major third below: two shared notes
F♯m7 – a fuller, softer minor colour

Richer versions

F♯m7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
F♯m6 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
F♯m9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the F♯m chord?

F♯, A, C♯. The root is F♯; the intervals of the other notes from the root: minor third, perfect fifth.

How do I play the F♯m chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the F♯m chord written?

The chord symbol is F♯m (also written F#m), and its full name is F♯ minor.