F Minor Triad
Chord Tones: F Minor Triad
Symbol: m, min, - — Formula: 1-♭3-5
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | 349.228 Hz |
| ♭3 | Ab | 415.305 Hz |
| 5 | C | 261.626 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Fm |
| All Common Symbols | m, min, - |
| Interval Formula | 1-♭3-5 |
| Harmonic Category | consonant |
Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.
Inversions
| Inversion | Notes (low to high) | Bass Note | Slash Notation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Position | F – Ab – C | F | F Minor Triad |
| First Inversion | Ab – C – F | Ab | F Minor Triad/Ab |
| Second Inversion | C – F – Ab | C | F Minor Triad/C |
Harmonic Function
The F minor chord commonly functions as the subdominant (IV) in C major — plagal cadence endpoint. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides subdominant or supertonic color.
The minor triad has a dark, introspective sound created by the flat third degree. It is the foundation of minor key harmony and widely used across all genres of music.
Common Progressions
The F Minor Triad frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):
i-iv-v-iii-V-I
Songs Featuring the Minor Triad
Well-known songs where the F Minor Triad — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
- Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
- Losing My Religion – R.E.M.
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F | 349.228 Hz | 347.654 Hz | 348.834 Hz |
| Ab | 415.305 Hz | 417.657 Hz | 418.601 Hz |
| C | 261.626 Hz | 260.740 Hz | 261.626 Hz |
Scales Containing the F Minor Triad
These scales include the F Minor Triad as a diatonic or characteristic chord: