F minor scale is a scale based around the F note, and the tones in it are F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, and F. As you can see, the scale has four flats, and its natural major is Ab major. While the key is not as popular today, many classical composers experimented with it in the past.
The key is often described as deep depression and misery, or simply just melancholy. There are a few ways you can explore this key. Some people like using a capo on the first fret making the process of playing chords a bit simpler.
You can also tune up your guitar half a step, and leave it in F tuning, or even go for an open F version. But even if you don’t plan on changing the tuning of your instrument, there are still plenty of ways to play songs in the key of F minor.
Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana is one of the biggest grunge bands of all time, and the band’s most famous song is Smells Like Teen Spirit. It was released in 1991 on Nevermind, and it became an instant hit. And the best thing about it is that the song is beginner-friendly.
You won’t need to use full chords, and playing riffs will be more than enough. Now, some people play the song with a capo on the first fret making it even simpler, but this is not necessary. Furthermore, this is not how Kurt Cobain played the song either.
Smells Like Teen Spirit Guitar Chords
Aerosmith – Dream On
Dream On was released in 1973, and it appeared on the Aerosmith album. Not only was this an instant hit, but it was the biggest song by the band up until that moment. This power ballad became a classic over the years, and it is an amazing song to learn.
While some people suggest playing it with a capo, it is better to leave it off. Learning how to play Dream On is not too challenging, but you will need to learn a few chords. With enough practice, you will be able to play it without any issues.
Lou Bega – Mambo No. 5
The original version of Mambo No. 5 was released in 1950. But the most famous version came out decades later. Lou Bega released his cover in 1999, and it was the first single from his debut album.
Now, if you are interested in learning how to play the well-known Mambo No. 5, you shouldn’t worry. The song is quite easy. There are three main chords, and if you want to simplify it even further, you can place a capo on the first fret.
Fool’s Garden – Lemon Tree
Fool’s Garden is a German band, and their album Dish of the Day from 1995 introduced an interesting song. I am talking about the Lemon Tree. The song is catchy, sounds great, and it is not that difficult to play. Even if you are a beginner.
The first thing you will need to do is place a capo on the first fret. This will allow you to play the open E minor chord instead of F barre, and it is a simpler way to approach the song. Naturally, you can still play it without a capo, just be sure to move all the chords on the sheet.
Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive
Stayin’ Alive is a disco classic. It was a part of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, and it was released in 1977. The popularity of the movie made the song iconic, and it is on almost every list of best songs of all time.
Playing Stayin’ Alive can be challenging for absolute beginners, but it is not impossible. The intro to the song is one of the most difficult parts, and it continues throughout the song. As for the chords, you will need to play a few barre chords.
Green Day – Holiday
Many people will mention Holiday as one of their favorite Green Day songs. And it is a great choice. This punk rock tune was released in 2005 on the album called American Idiot, and the song is a prelude to Boulevard of Broken Dreams.
If you are familiar with Green Day, you know that these songs are not too hard to play. And Holiday is no different. You will follow a simple progression, and playing riffs will be more than enough. Of course, if you want a richer, fuller sound you can always play full chords.
Paramore – Misery Business
Misery Business is a song from Paramore’s second album called Riot! It was released in 2007, and the song was the lead single. While learning how to play Misery Business is not that difficult, there are a couple of things to know.
Firstly, you will play the song in the drop C# tuning. This means that you will tune your guitar to Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Bb, Eb, and then tune the low E string a full step to get C#. The notes in C# tuning (also known as drop Db tuning) are Db, Ab, Db, Gb, Bb, and Eb (or C#, G#, C#, F#, A#, and D#).
Madonna – Papa Don’t Preach
One of Madonna’s biggest hits is Papa Don’t Preach. The song was released in 1986, and it was the second single from True Blue. The song talks about teenage pregnancy and the choices that come with it.
As for playing this iconic dance-pop tune, all you will need to do is follow the chord progression. What is interesting about Papa Don’t Preach is that it combines pop and baroque, and these elements of classical writing are easily noticeable in the progression.
Papa Don’t Preach Guitar Chords
Phil Collins – Another Day In Paradise
Another Day in Paradise is a classic by Phil Collins, and it was released in 1989 on his fourth album called …But Seriously. The song became yet another huge hit for Phil Collins, but it was a subject of controversy at the time.
Playing the song is quite simple, and it’s beginner-friendly. There are a few main chords you will need to learn, and you can even play it with a capo to simplify the process. Some players also just move the song half a step, and play it with open chords but without a capo.
Another Day In Paradise Guitar Chords
Christina Aguilera – Genie In A Bottle
Genie in a Bottle is a song from the album called Christina Aguilera, and it came out in 1999. This was the lead single from her debut album, and it was an instant hit. There are a few different ways to play the song.
You can fully embrace barre chords and play the simple progression, or if you are a beginner, you can go for the version with open chords. Those who are looking to keep the original key of F minor should place a capo on the first fret and start with the E minor shape open chord.
Genie In A Bottle Guitar Chords
The Rolling Stones – Paint It Black
Paint it Black is one of the most popular songs of all time. It was released in 1966, and it appeared on the album called Aftermath. Now, there are a few things to mention about this song.
You will need to play it with a capo, but the original tuning is not up to today’s standards. Back in the sixties, there were no digital tuners, and the version on the record is somewhere between E minor and F minor. You can play it either with a capo on the third fret (for F minor) or on the second fret (for E minor). The original version is in the key of F minor, but it’s slightly off.
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – I Put A Spell On You
I Put a Spell on You has many covers, but the original version is still a classic. It was written by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956, and even though the popularity on release wasn’t impressive, it didn’t take long for the song to become a cult classic.
This was also the first introduction to shock rock with a mixture of blues, and it is an incredible piece to learn. As with the majority of blues songs, the progression is simple, but you will need a bit of practice to nail it perfectly.
I Put A Spell On You Guitar Chords
John Legend – All Of Me
All of Me is John Legend’s first number-one single in the U.S. and it is one of his most popular songs. The original version appeared on his fourth album Love in the Future, and it was released in 2013.
The first thing you will need to do is place a capo on the first fret, which will make it easier to play since you won’t need to play the full F minor chord. The progression is simple, and the song is beginner-friendly.
Imagine Dragons – Monster
Monster is a single by Imagine Dragons, it was released in 2013, and the song was a part of the soundtrack for the game Infinity Blade III. Monster also appeared a year later on the band’s second album called Smoke + Mirrors.
As with the majority of songs in the key of F minor, you will need a capo on the first fret. This will eliminate the need for barre chords, and the entire progression will be with open chords. It’s simple, sounds great, and it’s perfect for beginners.
Rage Against The Machine – Bulls On Parade
Bulls on Parade is a song from the album Evil Empire, and it was released in 1996. This is one of the most popular tunes by Rage Against the Machine, and it is not the easiest song on the list. The original version of the song is in the Eb tuning, even though the band plays it in the standard tuning live.
As a result, playing the F#m shaped chord will be the appropriate move since the song is in the key of F minor. Keep in mind that the song is not too difficult unless you want to play every single bit as on the record.
Ariana Grande – Breathin
Breathin is a song from Sweetener, and it was published in 2018. Both the single and the album came out the same year, and the song is about dealing with PTSD. It is one of the best songs on the record, and it received universal praise.
As for playing it, the simplest way is to add a capo on the first fret. The rest of the chords can be challenging a bit, especially if you are a beginner. But with enough practice, you will be able to learn it.
The Pretty Reckless – Make Me Wanna Die
Make Me Wanna Die is a song from the Light Me Up album, and it was released in 2010. The song was a perfect introduction to Taylor Momsen and the Pretty Reckless, and it received praise across the world.
To play the song, you will need to go for the drop D tuning. This means that the low E string will be tuned to D, while the rest is the same as the standard tuning. The rest of the song is pretty simple, and it is so much fun to play.
Make Me Wanna Die Guitar Chords
Iron Maiden – Deja Vu
Deja-Vu is a song from Somewhere in Time, and it was released in 1986. It was written by Dave Murray and Steve Harris, and it is an interesting one. For starters, it is a song that’s not in E minor, which is something you’d expect from Iron Maiden.
The main theme of the song is déjà vu or the feeling as if you already lived through the moment before. Being a song by Iron Maiden also means that you can explore different guitars, solos, and new ways to play this amazing tune.
Chris Rea – On The Beach
On the Beach is a song from Chris Rea’s album of the same name, and it was released in 1986. This love song was inspired by the coast of Ibiza and the moments Rea spent with his wife. What matters even more is that the song is so much fun to play.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of uncommon chords, and you might need a bit of practice before you can nail the progression. The song itself is not too hard, especially if you are comfortable with barre chords.
Pat Benatar – Heartbreaker
Heartbreaker is a song from Pat Benatar’s debut album In the Heat of the Night, and it is a hard rock classic. The album was released in 1979, and it was a major breakthrough. Playing this song can be so much fun, and it is something beginners should check out as well.
You can play the song using riffs or you can go for full chords. Either way, you won’t need a capo. The song has a simple progression, but you can experiment with the solo as you please. If the original one is too challenging you can always improvise it.
Arctic Monkeys – Snap Out Of It
Snap Out of It is a single from AM, and it came out in 2014. Even though it is not the most popular song by Arctic Monkeys, it is still a fun piece to play. Theoretically, you could play it with a capo, but you will have more freedom if you take it off.
This also means that you will need to play a couple of barre chords, and you can always go for the simpler version of the song if you are not comfortable with the chord changes. It is up to you. But the song can be quite easy if you go for the simpler version.
Joan Baez – Diamonds & Rust
Diamonds & Rust is a song from 1975, it was written by Joan Baez, and it’s one of her most popular songs. Many people suggest that the song was inspired by her relationship with Bob Dylan, and there are a couple of clues you can find that support this theory.
As for the song itself, it is not too challenging to learn. You will need a capo on the first fret, and it will allow you to eliminate the majority of barre chords. It is worth mentioning that you will need to practice if you want to learn the picking pattern.
Black Label Society – Stillborn
Stillborn is a song from The Blessed Hellride, and it was written by Zakk Wylde. As you might know already, Zakk has played guitar for Ozzy Osbourne in the past, and he appeared on numerous records.
Ozzy was a guest singer on Stillborn, and he sang the chorus along with Zakk. To play this song, you will need to tune your guitar to Eb. The rest of the song is not that challenging except for the solo.
Adele – Hello
Hello was a lead single from Adele’s album called 25. It was released in 2015, and it is a piano ballad. But this is not stopping you from playing it on guitar. To simplify the process, you will need a capo on the first fret.
The rest of the process is fairly simple. The guitar is in standard tuning, and there are only a handful of chords you will need to follow. Needless to say, absolute beginners might need some practice, but it shouldn’t be too challenging.
Lana Del Rey – Blue Jeans
Blue Jeans is a song from Born to Die, which is the second album by Lana Del Rey. The song reached the top of the charts across the globe, and it quickly became a fan favorite. When it comes to playing it, the process is quite simple.
You can put a capo on the first fret, or you can play the song without it. It is completely up to you. The chord changes are not too fast, and you will have enough time to prepare. But using a capo is the simplest way to make it easier.
t.A.T.u. – All The Things She Said
All the Things She Said was one of the biggest songs of 2002. It gained numerous fans, and it appeared on the 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane album. This was also the first album in the English language by this Russian duo.
The progression of the song is quite interesting, and it’s easy to follow. There are also numerous ways to improvise and add something a bit different to the song. It’s beginner-friendly, and it might even give you a nice trip down memory lane.
All The Things She Said Guitar Chords
Maroon 5 – One More Night
One More Night by Maroon 5 was released on Overexposed, and it is the second single in 2012. The song is a mixture of pop, rock, and reggae, and the bass line during the refrain is from The Bed’s Too Big Without You by The Police.
Playing the song is quite simple. There are three main chords, and you don’t need a capo. The only thing you might need to practice is the rhythm. Thanks to its reggae style, it is crucial to nail the rhythm or the song will sound wrong.
Blur – Song 2
Song 2 is probably the most famous song by Blur, and it was released in 1997. What is interesting is that Song 2 started as a joke. Graham Coxon looked for the most “amateurish” sound possible.
They had no idea that the song would become an instant hit. Even though it started as a joke, the song became so much more. And if you are interested in learning how to play it, you can just follow the notes.
The Weather Girls – It’s Raining Men
It’s Raining Men is a song by The Weather Girls, and it came out in 1982. The song is a Hi-NRG with elements of pop-disco and synthwave, and it’s quite catchy. The progression and chords are not too challenging, and the song can be great for beginners.
Now, you can play the song with a capo on the first fret if you are looking for the simpler option but it is not necessary. Even without a capo, it shouldn’t be too hard for you to learn the song. But if you decide to play it without a capo, don’t forget to move each chord.
It’s Raining Men Guitar Chords
Lady Gaga – Telephone
Telephone is a song by Lady Gaga, it appeared on The Fame Monster, and it features Beyoncé as the guest singer. Gaga initially wrote the song for Britney Spears, but when Britney passed the opportunity to record it, Lady Gaga released her own version.
The song became an instant global hit, and it won’t take you long to learn how to play it. As you can probably guess, you will need a capo on the first fret, and a couple of basic chords. The progression is beginner-friendly, and the song is so much fun to play.
Conclusion
The key of F minor is not the most popular option, but there are still plenty of songs in this key. It is often described as a sound of depression and misery, which is often the best option for musicians.
As for the scale, F minor has four flats and it is relative to Ab major. One of the most common practices you will encounter for this key is to place a capo on the first fret. This will eliminate the need to play the F minor chord, and it is something beginners will appreciate.
Needless to say, you don’t need to use a capo, and it is possible to play any of these songs without it. While you might need a bit of practice, it is an excellent opportunity to learn something new. So, keep practicing!
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