How to Play Piano Chord Inversions

Chords form the basis of nearly all kinds of music; pop, rock, classical and jazz music all rely on chords. The piano is the easiest instrument to learn chords on, because you can clearly see each of the notes you're playing. When you're in the mood for a little variety, you can also play chord inversions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Pick the starting note, or root of your chord. As an example, an easy starting place on the piano is middle C.
2. Find the other two notes in the C-Major triad, E and G. These are all on the white keys. Make sure there's only one other white key between each of these fingered keys.
3. Play all three notes at the same time. This is the major triad and is the basic chord in most Western music. Play this chord using your thumb, middle and pinky fingers.
4. Play the chord in first inversion by keeping your fingers on E and G but shifting the C up an octave. Your thumb, index and pinky fingers should play these notes.
5. Place the chord in second inversion by starting it on G, instead of C or E. Both the C and E should now be an octave higher than their original positions, but the G should be the same. Use your thumb, index and ring fingers to play this chord.

Tips & Warnings

• You can invert any chord on the piano, whether it's a triad with only three notes or a more complex harmony. Simply rearrange the position of the notes in the chord to discover new inversions.