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E Major Chord Inversions (E, E/G#, E/B)

The E major chord has three positions. Put G# in the bass for the 1st inversion (E/G#) and B in the bass for the 2nd inversion (E/B). Root position starts on E. 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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E/G# G# B E

How to tell the E 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	E	E	5/3	major 3rd + minor 3rd
1st inversion	G#	E/G#	6 (6/3)	minor 3rd + perfect 4th
2nd inversion	B	E/B	6/4	perfect 4th + major 3rd

The three positions of E

Same notes, new bass: that is all an inversion changes.

E E G# B

Root position: E G# B

E/G# G# B E

1st inversion: G# B E

E/B B E G#

2nd inversion: B E G#

Root position: starts on E, a white key; black keys: G#
1st inversion: starts on G#, a black key; black keys: G#
2nd inversion: starts on B, a white key; black keys: G#

Inversions in a progression: E → A/E → B/D# → E

Played in root position, E, A and B make the hand jump. With inversions every chord sits in the same place: E → A/E → B/D# → E. Most notes stay, the others move a step.

E E G# B

A/E E A C#

B/D# D# F# B

From E to A/E: E stays, G# → A, B → C#.
From A/E to B/D#: E → D#, A → F#, C# → B.
From B/D# to E: D# → E, F# → G#, B stays.

Both hands, all three positions

Position	Right hand	Left hand
Root position (E G# B)	1-3-5	5-3-1
1st inversion (G# B E)	1-2-5	5-3-1
2nd inversion (B E G#)	1-3-5	5-2-1

Keep the thumb on the lowest note in the right hand and the little finger on the lowest note in the left.

ChordRunner showing a chord block while hands play the piano

Make the inversions automatic

In ChordRunner any inversion of E counts: play root position, E/G# or E/B and the runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.

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The E chord · All piano chords · Chord inversions explained

Common questions

What notes are in the E chord 1st inversion?

G# B E, from the bottom up. It is still E; the slash name E/G# tells you that G# is the lowest note.

What is the second inversion of E major?

The 2nd inversion is B E G#, written E/B: the fifth, B, is in the bass. Figured bass calls it a 6/4 chord.

Which fingers play E/G# and E/B?

E/G#: right hand 1-2-5 (the fourth B-E sits on top), left hand 5-3-1. E/B: right hand 1-3-5, left hand 5-2-1 because the fourth is now at the bottom.

Why learn E inversions?

They let you change chords without moving the hand. E → A/E → B/D# → E uses inversions so most notes stay where they are and the others move by a step.

Can I practise E/G# and E/B 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 E 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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E Major Chord Inversions (E, E/G#, E/B)

How to tell the E inversions apart

The three positions of E

Inversions in a progression: E → A/E → B/D# → E

Both hands, all three positions

Make the inversions automatic

Common questions

What notes are in the E chord 1st inversion?

What is the second inversion of E major?

Which fingers play E/G# and E/B?

Why learn E inversions?

Can I practise E/G# and E/B with a MIDI keyboard?

Your instrument is the controller.

Keep learning

E Major Chord on Piano (E)

E Minor Chord Inversions (Em, Em/G, Em/B)

Chord Inversions Explained

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