Learn › C Major Chord Inversions (C, C/E, C/G)
New Released in April 2026
C Major Chord Inversions (C, C/E, C/G)
The C major chord has three positions. Put E in the bass for the 1st inversion (C/E) and G in the bass for the 2nd inversion (C/G). Root position starts on C. Learn to spot each inversion by its shape, then use them to move between chords without jumps.
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C major chord: root position, 1st and 2nd inversion
The lowest note names the inversion. The chord is still C.
Root position: C E G
1st inversion: E G C
2nd inversion: G C E
- Root position: starts on C, a white key; all white keys
- 1st inversion: starts on E, a white key; all white keys
- 2nd inversion: starts on G, a white key; all white keys
How to tell the C inversions apart
Two thirds stacked = root position. A fourth anywhere = an inversion, and the root is its top note.
| Position | Bass | Name | Figured bass | Shape (bottom to top) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | C | C | 5/3 | major 3rd + minor 3rd |
| 1st inversion | E | C/E | 6 (6/3) | minor 3rd + perfect 4th |
| 2nd inversion | G | C/G | 6/4 | perfect 4th + major 3rd |
Fingering for each C inversion
| Position | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|
| Root position (C E G) | 1-3-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 1st inversion (E G C) | 1-2-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 2nd inversion (G C E) | 1-3-5 | 5-2-1 |
The 1st inversion is the only one that changes the right hand: 1-2-5, because the fourth sits on top.
Why C inversions matter: C → F/C → G/B → C
This is the reason pianists learn inversions: C → F/C → G/B → C keeps the hand still while the chords change. The common note C stays under the same finger.
- From C to F/C: C stays, E → F, G → A.
- From F/C to G/B: C → B, F → D, A → G.
- From G/B to C: B → C, D → E, G stays.
Make the inversions automatic
In ChordRunner any inversion of C counts: play root position, C/E or C/G and the runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Play the demoCommon questions
What is the first inversion of C major?
The 1st inversion of C is E G C, written C/E: the third, E, is in the bass and C moves to the top. In figured bass it is a 6 chord.
How do I recognise C/G on the piano?
Look at the lowest interval. In C/G it is a perfect fourth, G to C; the top note of that fourth, C, is the root.
What fingering do I use for C inversions?
Right hand: 1-3-5 for root position and 2nd inversion, 1-2-5 for the 1st inversion. Left hand: 5-3-1 for root position and 1st inversion, 5-2-1 for the 2nd inversion.
When are C inversions used?
Whenever C follows or precedes a nearby chord. In C → F/C → G/B → C the bass walks by small steps and the right hand hardly moves, which is how accompaniments sound smooth.
Does ChordRunner accept C in any inversion?
Yes. Play C/E, C/G or root position on a USB MIDI keyboard, detected automatically, or on an acoustic piano through the microphone: if the notes are C, E and G, it counts.
Your instrument is the controller.
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
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