How to Play a Third 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 to 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 A-minor 7 chord, which contains the notes A, C, E and G. Starting on the A below middle C, play all of these notes in order at the same time.

2. Think of the notes as if they're in a fixed order that you can't change. Using our example A-minor 7 chord, this means that the A always follows the G, the C the A, the E the C and the G the E.

3. Re-finger the chord so the seventh of the chord, which in this case is the G, is the lowest note of the four. By placing the seventh of the chord in the root, you're putting the chord in its third inversion.

4. Adjust your fingers so you can comfortably reach the A, C and E remaining in the chord. Most pianists use their index, middle and pinky fingers to play each of these notes respectively.

5. Use your wrist to lift your entire hand away from the piano, then drop it down to play all of the notes at once. Because your thumb's heavier than your fingers, the G should automatically stand out from the other notes in the chord.