3 MIN · UNDERSTAND & PLAY
Invert without changing the chord
An idea to hear, see and put under your fingers.
Same notes, different bass
C–E–G and E–G–C are the same chord with a different lowest note. C/E means a C chord with E in the bass. The bass defines the inversion.
Your turn
Hear root position, then first inversion.
Use smaller movements
Inversions bring positions closer. On piano, C–E–G can become C–F–A: C stays while the other notes rise slightly. You move from C to F without shifting the whole hand.
Your turn
Play C–E–G then C–F–A slowly, keeping C in place.
Check your understanding
In C/E, the bass is…
See the explanation
The name after the slash indicates the bass.
Turn words into sound.
Find this lesson in the workshops to hear examples, compare chords and answer the quiz.
Open the short lessons →