How to Play a First Inversion Piano Chord

The chord is the basic harmonic unit in music. The simplest chords, known as triads, consist of three different notes. Each of these notes is separated by a specific interval, or number of half-steps. Once you know how play a chord in root position, you can learn to play its inversions. These use the same notes as the original chord, just in a different order.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Play the chord in root position. As an example, we'll use the C-Major chord, which contains the notes C, E and G. Starting on middle C, play all of these notes in order at the same time.

2. Take your thumb off of middle C. This is the chord's root and the only note you'll need to change to play it in first inversion.

3. Place your thumb on E. Then, put either your index or middle finger on G. This fingering helps you reach the top note of the inverted chord.

4. Reach with your pinky and play the C an octave above middle C.

5. Press all three of the keys at once to play the C-Major chord in first inversion.

Tips & Warnings

• You can play any chord in first inversion, regardless of how many notes it has. Simply take the bottom note and put it on top of the others.
• Use the inverted C-Major chord before an F-Major chord in a harmonic progression. The E in the bottom of the C chord leads nicely to the root-position F.
• Practice playing the first-inversion chord with both hands.