Learn › C Minor Chord Inversions (Cm, Cm/Eb, Cm/G)
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C Minor Chord Inversions (Cm, Cm/Eb, Cm/G)
The C minor chord has three positions. Put Eb in the bass for the 1st inversion (Cm/Eb) and G in the bass for the 2nd inversion (Cm/G). Root position starts on C. Below: each position on the keyboard, how to tell them apart, the fingering for each one and a progression that uses them.
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How to tell the Cm inversions apart
Look for the fourth: it sits on top in the 1st inversion and at the bottom in the 2nd.
| Position | Bass | Name | Figured bass | Shape (bottom to top) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | C | Cm | 5/3 | minor 3rd + major 3rd |
| 1st inversion | Eb | Cm/Eb | 6 (6/3) | major 3rd + perfect 4th |
| 2nd inversion | G | Cm/G | 6/4 | perfect 4th + minor 3rd |
Cm inversions on the keyboard
Same notes, new bass: that is all an inversion changes.
Root position: C Eb G
1st inversion: Eb G C
2nd inversion: G C Eb
- Root position: starts on C, a white key; black keys: Eb
- 1st inversion: starts on Eb, a black key; black keys: Eb
- 2nd inversion: starts on G, a white key; black keys: Eb
Why Cm inversions matter: Cm → Fm/C → G/B → Cm
This is the reason pianists learn inversions: Cm → Fm/C → G/B → Cm keeps the hand still while the chords change. The common note C stays under the same finger.
- From Cm to Fm/C: C stays, Eb → F, G → Ab.
- From Fm/C to G/B: C → B, F → D, Ab → G.
- From G/B to Cm: B → C, D → Eb, G stays.
Fingering for each Cm inversion
| Position | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|
| Root position (C Eb G) | 1-3-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 1st inversion (Eb G C) | 1-2-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 2nd inversion (G C Eb) | 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.
Make the inversions automatic
ChordRunner accepts every voicing, so you can drill Cm/Eb and Cm/G at speed between other chords. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Play the demoThe Cm chord · All piano chords · Chord inversions explained
Common questions
What notes are in the Cm chord 1st inversion?
Eb G C, from the bottom up. It is still Cm; the slash name Cm/Eb tells you that Eb is the lowest note.
What is the second inversion of C minor?
The 2nd inversion is G C Eb, written Cm/G: the fifth, G, is in the bass. Figured bass calls it a 6/4 chord.
Which fingers play Cm/Eb and Cm/G?
Cm/Eb: right hand 1-2-5 (the fourth G-C sits on top), left hand 5-3-1. Cm/G: right hand 1-3-5, left hand 5-2-1 because the fourth is now at the bottom.
Why learn Cm inversions?
They let you change chords without moving the hand. Cm → Fm/C → G/B → Cm uses inversions so most notes stay where they are and the others move by a step.
Can I practise Cm/Eb and Cm/G with a MIDI keyboard?
Yes. ChordRunner detects a USB MIDI keyboard automatically and also listens through the microphone to an acoustic piano. Every inversion of Cm is accepted, so you can drill them in any order.
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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