How to Play a Second 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 one of the two notes you'll need to change to play it in second inversion.

3. Pull your finger off of the E. Then, place your thumb on the G.

4. Place your index finger on the C above middle C. Then, put your ring finger on the E above that.

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

Tips & Warnings

• You can play any chord in second inversion, regardless of how many notes it has. Simply take the bottom two notes and put them on top of the third.
• Use the inverted C-Major chord before an G-Major chord in a harmonic progression. The C and the E on the top of the chord drop nicely down to B and D in the G-Major chord.
• Practice playing the second inversion chord with both hands.