How To Play The Piano Chords FM In Scaler 2

What Is Piano Chords FM (F-Minor)

Piano chords fm or F-minor chords, are musical chords consisting of three notes: F (the root), A flat (the minor third), and C (the perfect fifth). In music theory, these three notes are known as the root, the minor third, and the perfect fifth, respectively.

The F-minor chord is one of the most commonly used chords in various styles of music, including classical, pop, and rock. Its melancholic and somewhat sad sound gives it a special emotional expressiveness, making it a favored choice for ballads and other slower, introspective pieces.

In terms of its construction, the F-minor chord is made up of the first, third, and fifth notes of the F-minor scale. To create the piano chords fm, the notes are played simultaneously, either on a keyboard, guitar, or any other musical instrument.

When playing a chord progression, piano chords fm often appears as a tonic (i.e., the first chord) or as a subdominant (i.e., the fourth chord) in a progression. For example, in the key of C, an F-minor chord would be the subdominant chord. It can also appear as a dominant (i.e., the fifth chord) in some chord progressions.

Sounds complicated with all the music theory jargon? Well keep reading to learn how Scaler 2 can improve your knowledge and skills of playing piano chords and melodies.

What is Scaler 2?

Scale 2 is more than just a MIDI instrument plugin for your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), it is Music Theory Workstation within itself. Not only is it a manually playable chord instrument and AI chord generator, the interface boast an extensive amount of music theory chord features. If you’re a musician who want to improve your piano chord skills, or a music producer who wants to learn more about playing piano chords, melodies, and rhythms, Scaler 2 is for you. You can learn more about Scaler 2 here.

If you’re a beginner musician or producer with no DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) here are a few recommendations to get started with a DAW (free) and Scaler 2 (low price).

Waveform Free (DAW) unlimited tracks) + Scaler 2
Abelton Live Lite (Daw 16 tracks total) + Scaler 2
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Garageband (DAW Mac only) + Scaler 2
Reaper (DAW Free Trial 60 days all features) + Scaler 2

How to play Piano Chords FM in Scaler 2

Playing piano chords fm in Scaler 2 is easy and simple. First let’s start with the F-minor (FM) scale and then practice F-minor chords (F3 root note) basics. The F minor chord (FM) is a triad constructed from a root (F), a minor third (A♭) and a perfect fifth (C).

For right and left handed keyboard players, place your fingers in the following manner and follow the steps below. Watch the video to visually see F-minor scale and FM chord progression.

Right hand F-minor root:

F – 1 (thumb)
Ab – 3 (middle)
C – 5 (pinky)

Left hand F-minor root:

F – 1 (pinky)
Ab – 3 (middle)
C – 5 (thumb)

Steps:

First, play the scale F-G-Ab-Bb-C-Db-Eb-F in sequential order.
Next, play the F-Minor (FM) chord F-Ab-C simultaneously (Root note F3).
Repeat steps 1 & 2 while looking at Scaler 2’s piano keys light up for each note.

Playing Piano Chords FM Inversions In Scaler 2

All triads can be performed in one of three ways. These various approaches are known as chord inversions. Essentially, we rearrange the chord’s notes. Inversions provide us with slightly various adjustments of the chord that can be used as expressive tools in chord progressions.

Each triad contains three fundamental positions: root, first inversion, and second inversion. The basic triad we mentioned above is in root position, which means the root note is the chord’s lowest sounding note.

The F minor chord in its first inversion:

To create a first inversion triad, simply make the third (the center note) the lowest sounding chord. Ab – C – F is the spelling of a first inversion F minor triad.
To play it with your right hand, place your first finger on Ab, third finger on C, and fifth finger on F.
Start with your fifth finger on Ab, your third finger on C, and your first finger on F to play it with your left hand.

The fm chord 1st inversion looks like this on the piano:

The F minor chord in its second inversion:

To create a second inversion chord, simply place the fifth as the chord’s lowest sounding note. This is why the second inversion F minor triad is written C – F – Ab.
Place your first finger on C, your third finger on F, and your fifth finger on A to play the chord with your right hand.
Place your fifth finger on C, your third finger on F, and your first finger on Ab to play the chord with your left hand.

The fm chord 2nd inversion looks like this on the piano:

Play the F Minor Chords Scale in Scaler 2

Here’s a short summary on how to play the main chords (triads) of the F Minor scale. The F minor, G diminished, Ab major, Bb minor, C minor, Db major, Eb major are the seven chords in the key of F minor.

The sequence of chords in any natural minor scale is minor, reduced, major, minor, minor, minor, major, major. Remembering this will save you time when switching chord progressions between keys.

You may also notice that F minor is Ab major’s related minor. Understanding the concepts of relative minor and relative major is another wonderful shortcut you can utilize while learning how to play the piano to quickly bounce between key centers and change chord progressions. Using these concepts inside of Scaler 2 can make learning it faster.

The F Minor Chords Scale in Scaler 2:

First, play the key scale F-G-Ab-Bb-C-Db-Eb-F in sequential order.
Play the chords (triads) scale (F-min) (G-dim) (Ab-maj) (Bb min) (C-min) (Db-maj) (Eb-maj) in sequential order.
Repeat steps 1 & 2 while looking at Scaler 2’s piano keys light up for each chord.

Watch F minor chords scale video below:

Common Piano Chord Progressions in F Minor

F minor is a common key in many different styles of music, including classical, rock, metal, and pop. One of the most common chord progressions in F minor is the ii-V-I progression, which consists of the chords of G diminished, C diminished, and F minor. This progression provides a sense of tension and resolution, and is used in many songs to create a sense of forward momentum and drive. Another common progression in F minor is the i-IV-V progression, consisting of the chords of F minor, B flat major, and C minor. This progression is often used in rock and pop music, and creates a strong, upbeat feeling.

In addition to these two progressions, many other chords can be used to create interesting and dynamic harmonies in F minor. For example, the iii-vi-ii-V progression, consisting of the chords of A flat minor, D flat major, G diminished, and C diminished, provides a sense of tension and release, and is used in many jazz and classical pieces. The iii chord, A flat minor, can also be substituted with A natural minor, which provides a different feel to the progression. Experimenting with different chords and progressions in F minor can help musicians to create unique and interesting musical composition.

Popular Songs in F Minor John & Adele

Some of you music lovers may have heard John Legend’s song “All of Me”. Which is a heartfelt love song that is composed in the key of F minor. This key is known for evoking emotions of sadness and introspection, and it sets the mood for the song perfectly. The use of piano chords fm gives “All of Me” a melancholic and introspective feel, which accentuates the song’s deeply emotional lyrics about the singer’s love and devotion to his partner. The tonality of F minor creates a sense of longing and sadness, which adds to the song’s overall emotional impact.

In addition to the piano chords fm John is playing, his powerful and soulful vocals are a major aspect of the song’s emotional feeling. His delivery is raw and sincere, conveying the passion of the lyrics with ease. “All of Me” is a powerful example of how the key choice, vocal delivery, and lyrics can come together to create a truly impactful and memorable love song. The song’s lasting popularity and its status as a wedding staple are a testament to the impact it has had on listeners.

Another powerful ballad composed in the key of F minor is Adele’s “Hello”. The use of F minor gives this song a melancholic and introspective feel like “All of Me”, which is appropriate for the song’s themes of regret and longing. The tonality of the piano chords fm creates a sense of sadness and nostalgia, which emphasizes the emotion of the lyrics. Adele’s powerful vocals are also a major aspect of the song’s emotional influence, relaying the raw emotion of the lyrics with ease.

In “Hello,” Adele sings about reaching out to an old friend and reflecting on past mistakes. The song’s lyrics are deeply personal, and the use of F minor enhances the mood of heartfelt regret. The song’s combination of powerful vocals, inward-looking lyrics, and melancholic tonality make it a standout ballad and a powerful addition to Adele’s discography. The song’s widespread popularity and critical acclaim are a testament to its impact on listeners and its enduring emotional power.

Conclusion: F Minor Chords in Scaler 2

In conclusion, F minor chords offer a rich and emotive quality to music, and are a valuable addition to any musician’s repertoire. While they may initially appear challenging for beginners, with practice in Scaler 2 and patience they can become a versatile and powerful tool for expressing a wide range of emotions in your music. Whether you’re using F minor chords to create a melancholic and introspective atmosphere or to add a touch of tension to a composition, their unique tonality and versatility make them an essential part of any musician’s toolbox. With the right technique and a little bit of creativity, F minor chords can elevate your music to new heights and add a touch of depth and complexity that will captivate listeners.