In this article you’ll learn how to construct the F sharp minor triad as well as how to play it on piano and guitar.
We’ve also included sections on inversions for those that want a deeper understanding. Lastly, listen to some examples of popular songs that featured this triad.
Root, 3rd and 5th
The F sharp minor triad is formed of the 1st, flat 3rd and flat 5th of the F sharp major scale.
- F# – root note
- A – minor 3rd above the root
- C# – perfect 5th above the root
Here is the triad written on the stave in the treble and bass clef.
Before you read on make sure that you have a basic understanding of intervals. Intervals are vital for understanding how triads are built. Check out our guide to major, minor and perfect intervals for more on this.
F sharp Minor Triad on Piano
Below you can see how to play this triad on the keyboard or piano. This pattern of notes could also be played starting on any F sharp note.
However, the order of the notes must be the same:
- F sharp – lowest note
- A natural – middle note
- C sharp – highest note
This is called ‘root position’.
F sharp Minor Chord on Guitar
There are two simple positions that you can use to play a F# minor triad on guitar. Both positions can also be slide up or down the neck to play different minor triads.
1st Inversion
A 1st inversion is where we take a triad but we start on the second note, which in this case is A. We still keep the C# above, but then the F# (or root) become the highest note.
This way of rearranging a triad gives us a different sound as the relative pitches of the three notes has changed.
- A – lowest note
- C sharp – middle note
- F sharp – highest note
1st inversion on Piano
On the piano we can play the 1st inversion of a F# Minor triad by starting on an A. They play the C# above and the F# above this.
1st Inversion on Guitar
Below are the most common shapes for playing a F# minor triad in the 1st inversion. Remember that we can only use certain shapes are the pitches of the three notes are important.
2nd Inversion
A 2nd inversion is where we take a triad but we start on the third note, which in this case is C#. We keep the F# above then the A becomes the highest note in the chord.
- C# – perfect 5th (lowest note)
- F# – root note (middle note)
- A – minor 3rd (highest note)
We could construct a 2nd inversion starting on any C# note in any octave. The only thing that must stay the same is that the we use the F# above and the A above that.
2nd inversion on Piano
On the piano we can play the 2nd inversion of a F# Minor triad by starting on a C sharp. Then play the F# above and the A above this.
2nd Inversion on Guitar
Below are the most common shapes for playing a F# minor triad in the 2nd inversion. Remember that we can only use certain shapes are the pitches of the three notes are important.
Triads from the F Sharp Minor Scale
By looking at the F Sharp Minor scale we can actually make triads built on each note and only using notes from F Sharp minor. Below you can see a list of each triad we will create be starting on different notes of the scale.
- F# Minor
- G# Dim
- A Major
- B Minor
- C# Minor
- D Major
- E Major
Famous Songs in F Sharp Minor
Here’s 3 famous examples of songs in a F Sharp Minor key. For this reason, they use F Sharp Minor triads, as the root note chord, priminently in their chord progressions.
‘My Immortal’ – Evanescence
“My Immortal” by Evanescence is a hauntingly beautiful rock ballad known for its emotive vocals and introspective lyrics, earning it a place as a timeless anthem in the alternative rock genre.
‘Kids’ – MGMT
“Kids” by MGMT is an electrifying synth-pop track that captures the essence of youthful exuberance and carefree nostalgia. The song is marked by its infectious melodies and innovative approach to electronic music.
‘One of Us’ – Joan Osborne
Joan Osborne’s ‘One of U'” is a soulful and thought-provoking ballad that contemplates profound questions of faith and existence.
What’s next….?
- Learn how to construct the F Sharp Major triad
- Swat up on your chord knowledge with our complete guide to chords.
