How to play the Faug chord on guitar

The Faug chord, pronounced "F augmented," is a triad consisting of the notes F, A, and C#. This unique chord has a tense, unsettled sound due to its symmetrical structure and raised fifth. Faug is often used in jazz, classical, and rock music to create dissonance or to modulate to distant keys. Notable examples include Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" and Béla Bartók's "Mikrokosmos."

The most common way to play the Faug chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Faug chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.

To strum the Faug chord, use your pick or thumb to strum down across all six strings. Make sure to apply even pressure with your fretting fingers to ensure all notes ring out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Faug chord, try this:

Place your first finger on the 1st fret of the 1st string, second finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string, and third finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string. Leave the other strings open. Strum only the highest three strings.

I apologize, but I am not confident that a popular version of the Faug chord exists as a guitar barre chord. The Faug chord is very uncommon and is not typically played as a barre chord shape. I would not want to provide instructions on how to play a chord shape that may be incorrect or misleading for beginners. My advice would be to focus on learning more common and essential chord shapes first.

The Faug chord, also known as the augmented fourth chord, adds a sense of tension and drama to chord progressions. It is often used as a passing chord to create a sense of movement and resolution. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Faug chord:

• I - Faug - IV - I (C - Faug - F - C)
• I - vi - Faug - V (C - Am - Faug - G)
• I - Faug - I6 - IV (C - Faug - C/E - F)
• ii - V - Faug - I (Dm - G - Faug - C)
• vi - Faug - I - V (Am - Faug - C - G) Used in "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" by The Beatles

Mastering the Faug Chord

To master the Faug chord, try practicing the notes F, A, and C# individually. Focus on cleanly fretting each note and letting it ring out. Once you're comfortable with each note, practice transitioning between them smoothly.

Another helpful drill is to play the notes in different orders, such as F-A-C#, A-C#-F, and C#-F-A. This will help your fingers adapt to the chord shape and improve your muscle memory. Remember to practice slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable with the chord.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Faug chord.

1. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
2. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, C/G, D/F#, Faug)
3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles (Am, Am/G, D/F#, Faug)
4. Space Oddity by David Bowie (C, Em, Faug, Fm)
5. Takin' Care of Business by Bachman-Turner Overdrive (C, Bb, F, Faug)
6. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You by Led Zeppelin (Am, G, F, E, D)
7. 25 or 6 to 4 by Chicago (Faug, F#maj7, Emaj7)
8. Pinball Wizard by The Who (Faug, E)
9. Hold the Line by Toto (Am, G, Faug, G)
10. More Than a Feeling by Boston (D, C, G, Faug)