Skip to content
Chord & Fret

F(b5) — major flat five

Notes in F(b5): F – A – CbFormula: 1 – 3 – b5

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

It keeps the major third and lowers only the fifth by a semitone. It is the major triad seen through cracked glass: still recognisable, but something is out of true.

The same chord on all four instruments

F(b5), 1 0 3 2 0 1F(b5)1432FAFABF
Guitar
F(b5), 1 0 3 2 0 1F(b5)1432FAFABF
Electric guitar
F(b5), 3 2 0 3F(b5)213FABF
Cavaquinho
F(b5), 4 5 5 0F(b5)123BFAA
Ukulele

Where to use it: A rare, modern colour; in practice it shows up far more with the seventh attached, as C7(b5), than on its own.

The shapes of F(b5) don't end on this page — the whole neck holds dozens. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Triads family.

Other chords in this family

FFFFFmFmFmFmFdimFaugF5

See all chord types and qualities →