F 7 Chord on Ukulele: How to Play it Easily

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Written By Gary Daws

Chief Music Officer

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F 7 Chord on Ukulele

Chord Structure and Formula

The F 7 chord is a dominant seventh chord that consists of four notes: F, A, C, and Eb. The chord formula for a dominant seventh chord is 1-3-5-b7, which means that the chord is built by taking the first, third, fifth, and flat seventh notes of the F major scale.

Voicings and Alternative Notation

There are several different voicings for the F 7 chord on ukulele. One common voicing is to place your index finger on the first fret of the E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the C string. Another voicing is to place your index finger on the first fret of the E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the G string.

An alternative notation for the F 7 chord is Gb 7, since F# and Gb are enharmonically equivalent.

Playing the F 7 Chord on Ukulele

To play the F 7 chord on ukulele, start by placing your index finger on the first fret of the E string. Then, place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string and your ring finger on the third fret of the C string. Strum all four strings to play the chord.

Remember to practice switching between chords smoothly and accurately to improve your playing skills.

Scales and Progressions

Scales for F 7 Chord

The F dominant seventh chord on the ukulele has the notes F, A, C, and Eb. When it comes to scales, the F Mixolydian scale is the most commonly used scale for this chord. The Mixolydian scale is the fifth mode of the major scale, so the F Mixolydian scale is derived from the Bb major scale.

Here are the notes in the F Mixolydian scale:

Note Interval
F 1
G 2
A 3
Bb 4
C 5
D 6
Eb b7

Progressions with F 7 Chord

The F dominant seventh chord is commonly used in blues, funk, and rock music. It is often used in progressions that involve the IV and V chords.

Here are a few common progressions that use the F 7 chord:

  1. F7 – Bb7 – C7
  2. F7 – Gm7 – C7
  3. F7 – Bb7 – F7 – Gm7 – C7

In the first progression, the F 7 chord is used as the I chord, followed by the IV and V chords. In the second progression, the F 7 chord is used as the I chord, followed by the vi and V chords. In the third progression, the F 7 chord is used as the I chord, followed by the IV and V chords, and then the vi and V chords.

Overall, the F dominant seventh chord is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of musical genres and progressions.

Genres and Songs

Genres that Use F 7 Chord

The F 7 chord is a versatile chord that is used in a variety of genres. Some of the most common genres that use the F 7 chord include:

  • Blues
  • Jazz
  • Funk
  • Rock
  • Country
  • Spiritual

In blues music, entire progressions can be composed of dominant seventh chords, including the F 7 chord. Jazz music also frequently uses the F 7 chord, both as a standalone chord and as part of chord progressions. Funk and rock music often use the F 7 chord to create a mildly dissonant sound that adds depth and complexity to the music. Country and spiritual music also use the F 7 chord to create a distinctive sound that is both uplifting and soulful.

Songs with F 7 Chord

The F 7 chord is used in many popular songs across a variety of genres. Some of the most well-known songs that use the F 7 chord include:

  • “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley
  • “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry
  • “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson
  • “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino
  • “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess
  • “All of Me” by Billie Holiday

These songs demonstrate the versatility of the F 7 chord and its ability to add depth and complexity to a wide range of musical styles. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, learning to play the F 7 chord is an essential part of mastering the ukulele and exploring the full range of musical possibilities that it offers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the F7 chord is a great addition to any ukulele player’s repertoire. It is a dominant seventh chord that contains the notes F-A-C-Eb. To play the F7 chord, you need to place your index finger on the first fret of the E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, your ring finger on the third fret of the C string, and your pinky finger on the third fret of the A string.

The F7 chord has a rich and full sound, making it a popular choice in many genres such as blues, funk, and rock. It is also commonly used in chord progressions, adding a dynamic and interesting flavor to your playing.

Remember that practice is key when it comes to mastering the F7 chord. Take the time to practice transitioning between this chord and other chords to improve your playing skills. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques to find the sound that you like best.

Overall, the F7 chord is a versatile and useful chord that every ukulele player should know. With practice and dedication, you can master this chord and add it to your musical repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to play F7 chord on ukulele?

To play an F7 chord on ukulele, place your index finger on the first fret of the E string, middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and ring finger on the third fret of the C string. Strum all four strings.

What are the finger positions for F7 chord on ukulele?

The finger positions for F7 chord on ukulele are index finger on the first fret of the E string, middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and ring finger on the third fret of the C string.

What is the strumming pattern for F7 chord on ukulele?

The strumming pattern for F7 chord on ukulele depends on the song you are playing. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find the one that suits the song you are playing.

What are some songs that use F7 chord on ukulele?

Some songs that use F7 chord on ukulele include “Blue Hawaii” by Elvis Presley, “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” by Elvis Presley, and “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” by Tiny Tim.

What is the difference between F7 and F major chord on ukulele?

The difference between F7 and F major chord on ukulele is that F7 has a flat seventh note (Eb) added to the F major chord (F-A-C). This gives the F7 chord a more bluesy, jazzy sound.

Can F7 chord be used as a substitute for other chords on ukulele?

Yes, F7 chord can be used as a substitute for other chords on ukulele, such as the F major chord or the Bb chord. Experiment with using F7 chord in different songs to see how it sounds.