Skip to main content

F#m7(Minor 7th Chord)

A minor triad with a minor seventh. Smooth, soulful sound central to jazz and soul music.

Notes
F# – A – C# – E
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 3 – 7 – 10
Type
7th Chord

🎹 F#m7 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the F#m7 chord.

R
F#(Root (R))
2
A(Minor 3rd (♭3))
3
C#(Perfect 5th)
4
E(Minor 7th (♭7))

🎸 F#m7 on Guitar

The F#m7 chord uses notes F#, A, C#, E. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in F#
RootRoot (R)0F#
3rdMinor 3rd (♭3)3A
5thPerfect 5th7C#
7thMinor 7th (♭7)10E

About the F# Minor 7th Chord

The F#m7 chord (F# Minor 7th) consists of 4 notes: F#, A, C#, E. A minor triad with a minor seventh. Smooth, soulful sound central to jazz and soul music.

To build any minor 7th chord, apply intervals of 0, 3, 7, 10 semitones above the root. Starting from F#: the notes land on F#, A, C#, E.

Playing F#m7 on Piano

Press F#, A, C#, E simultaneously. In root position, F# is lowest. First inversion places A in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses C# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using F#m7

  • I–IV–V: F#m7 – Bm7 – C#m7 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: F#m7 – C# – D#m – B (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: F#m7 – D#m – B – C# (50s progression)

The F#m7 Chord in Context

As a minor 7th chord, F#m7 is the tonic (I) in the key of F# major. It also appears as the IV chord in C# major, and as the V chord in B major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Minor 7th Chord in All 12 Keys

FAQ

F#m7 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the F#m7 chord?
The F# Minor 7th chord contains: F#, A, C#, E. These notes are derived by applying the minor 7th interval formula (0–3–7–10 semitones) to the root note F#.
What is the F#m7 chord used for?
A minor triad with a minor seventh. Smooth, soulful sound central to jazz and soul music. The F#m7 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of F# major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play F#m7 on piano?
On piano, play F#, A, C#, E simultaneously. In root position, F# is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has A lowest, second inversion has C# lowest.
How many notes are in a minor 7th chord?
A minor 7th chord has 4 notes: F#, A, C#, E (in F#). It is a 7th chord, extending beyond the basic triad.
What is the difference between F# major and F# minor?
The F# major chord (F#–A#–C#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The F# minor chord (F#–A–C#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does F#m7 belong to?
F#m7 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of F# major. It also appears as IV in the key of C# major, and as V in the key of B major.
Can I play F#m7 on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The F#m7 chord notes (F#, A, C#, E) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with F#m7?
In the key of F# major, F#m7 pairs naturally with B major (IV), C# major (V), and D#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (F#m7–B–C#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of F#m7?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. F#m7 root position: F# in bass. First inversion: A in bass. Second inversion: C# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a minor 7th chord?
Remember the formula: 0–3–7–10 semitones from root. For F#m7: start on F#, add 3 semitones, then 7 semitones, then 10 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any minor 7th chord.