How to play the Fm11 chord on guitar

The Fm11 chord, pronounced "F minor eleventh," is a rich and complex chord that adds depth and intrigue to musical compositions. Notable for its melancholic and jazzy sound, the Fm11 is often used in genres like jazz, R&B, and neo-soul. This chord is particularly popular among guitarists looking to create sophisticated harmonies and add a touch of emotional intensity to their playing.

The standard way to play the Fm11 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Fm11 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st (high E), 2nd (B), 3rd (G), 4th (D), 5th (A), and 6th (low E) strings, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to play all six strings together in a downward motion, ensuring that each string rings out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Fm11 chord, try playing an Fm7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st (high E) string, your middle finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd (G) string, and your ring finger on the 1st fret of the 4th (D) string.

Playing the Fm11 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add richness and fullness to your guitar playing, especially when you need a higher voicing of the chord.

Here's how to play an Fm11 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 1st fret to form a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The Fm11 chord is often used in progressions to add a rich, jazzy flavor and create a sophisticated, melancholic atmosphere. Some common Fm11 chord progressions include:

• i - iv - v - i (Fm11 - Bbm7 - Cm7 - Fm11)
• i - vi - ii - V (Fm11 - Db9 - Gm7 - C7)
• i - bVI - bVII - i (Fm11 - Db7 - Eb7 - Fm11) Used in "Maiden Voyage" by Herbie Hancock
• i - iv - VII - III (Fm11 - Bbm7 - Eb7 - Ab7)
• i - vi - iv - V (Fm11 - Db9 - Bbm7 - C7)

To master the Fm11 chord on guitar, try practicing the following drill:

Play each note of the chord individually, starting from the lowest pitch and ascending to the highest. Once you reach the top note, descend back down to the lowest pitch. Focus on playing each note cleanly and evenly. Repeat this exercise slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable with the chord shape and fingering.

Another helpful drill is to practice transitioning between the Fm11 chord and other common chords in the key of F minor, such as Bbm7 and C7.

Here are 5 popular songs you can play with the Fm11 chord:

1. All of Me by John Legend (Fm11, Cm7, Db, Eb)
2. Ordinary People by John Legend (Fm11, Cm7, Ab, Eb)
3. Save Room by John Legend (Fm11, Db, Bbm7, Ab)
4. PDA (We Just Don't Care) by John Legend (Fm11, Bbm7, Eb)
5. Asylum by John Legend (Fm11, Ab, Bbm7, Db)