How to play F Half-Diminished (m7♭5) on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: 121104
- Lay your index finger flat across the 3rd to 6th strings at fret 1 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 4.
- Let the 2nd string ring open.
Shape 2: xx3444 (from fret 3)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 3.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 4.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 4.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: x86867 (from fret 6)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 4th strings at fret 6 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 8.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 8.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 7.
- Don't play the 6th string.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in F Half-Diminished (m7♭5)
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| F | 1 (root) |
| A♭ | ♭3 |
| C♭ | ♭5 |
| E♭ | ♭7 |
The formula for F Half-Diminished (m7♭5) (minor 7 flat 5) is 1 ♭3 ♭5 ♭7: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Fø7
Half-diminished chords are the ii chord of a minor key, so they appear constantly in jazz progressions such as ii–V–i. They sound dark but smooth.
Other F chords
F, Fm, F7, Fmaj7, Fm7, Fsus2, Fsus4, F°, F+, Fadd9, F6
Other half-diminished (m7♭5) chords on guitar
Cø7, C♯ø7, Dø7, E♭ø7, Eø7, F♯ø7, Gø7, G♯ø7, Aø7, B♭ø7, Bø7
Frequently asked questions
How do you play F Half-Diminished (m7♭5) on guitar?
The easiest Fø7 shape on guitar is 121104 (Lay your index finger flat across the 3rd to 6th strings at fret 1 (a barre). Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 4. Let the 2nd string ring open.)
What notes are in F Half-Diminished (m7♭5)?
F Half-Diminished (m7♭5) (Fø7) contains the notes F A♭ C♭ E♭. The formula is 1 ♭3 ♭5 ♭7.
How many guitar shapes are there for Fø7?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See F Half-Diminished (m7♭5) on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.