F#m7b5 guitar chord

The F#m7b5 chord (F# half-diminished) is built from the notes F#, A, C and E, formula 1–b3–b5–b7. It appears in G major (as viiø7).

Notes
F# A C E
Type
half-diminished
Level
Barre chord
Fret 9Shape 1 of 3
9××1324F#CEA
x-9-10-9-10-x

How to play F#m7b5

The easiest F#m7b5 shape is x-9-10-9-10-x, starting around fret 9. Mute any strings marked x so only chord tones sound.

Dark and jazzy. In minor keys it often leads to a dominant 7th chord.

Other ways to play it

Questions

What notes are in the F#m7b5 chord?

F#m7b5 contains F#, A, C and E. Its formula is 1–b3–b5–b7.

Is F#m7b5 hard to play on guitar?

It is harder than a basic open chord. The most common shape is x-9-10-9-10-x.

What can I play instead of F#m7b5?

F#dim is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when F#m7b5 is too hard or too busy.