Learn › E7 Chord Inversions: All Four Positions
New Released in April 2026
E7 Chord Inversions: All Four Positions
To invert E7, move the lowest note up an octave: E G# B D becomes G# B D E, then B D E G#, then D E G# B. Below: each position on the keyboard, a one-look rule to tell them apart, fingering and a ii-V-I that uses them.
No account, no download. The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.
- MIDI keyboard
- Digital or acoustic piano
- Guitar
- Computer, phone or tablet
How to tell the E7 inversions apart
One rule: find the pair of neighbouring notes. Its place tells you the inversion, and its upper note is the root.
| Position | Bass | Name | Figured bass | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | E | E7 | 7 | no neighbours: four notes evenly stacked (major 3rd + minor 3rd + minor 3rd) |
| 1st inversion | G# | E7/G# | 6/5 | neighbours at the top (minor 3rd + minor 3rd + major 2nd) |
| 2nd inversion | B | E7/B | 4/3 | neighbours in the middle (minor 3rd + major 2nd + major 3rd) |
| 3rd inversion | D | E7/D | 4/2 | neighbours at the bottom (major 2nd + major 3rd + minor 3rd) |
E dominant 7th chord: all four inversions
The lowest note names the position; the chord is still E7.
Root position: E G# B D
1st inversion: G# B D E
2nd inversion: B D E G#
3rd inversion: D E G# B
- 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#
- 3rd inversion: starts on D, a white key; black keys: G#
E7 in a ii-V-I with inversions: Bm7 → E7 → Amaj7
This is why pianists learn seventh-chord inversions: Bm7 → E7 → Amaj7 keeps the hand in one place.
- From Bm7 to E7: B stays, D stays, F# → E, A → G#.
- From E7 to Amaj7: B → A, D → C#, E stays, G# stays.
E7 inversions: which fingers
| Position | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|
| Root position (E G# B D) | 1-2-3-5 | 5-3-2-1 |
| 1st inversion (G# B D E) | 1-2-3-5 | 5-3-2-1 |
| 2nd inversion (B D E G#) | 1-2-3-5 | 5-3-2-1 |
| 3rd inversion (D E G# B) | 1-2-3-5 | 5-3-2-1 |
Four notes, four fingers: 1-2-3-5 in the right hand and 5-3-2-1 in the left work in every position.
Make E7 inversions automatic
In ChordRunner any inversion of E7 counts: play E7/G#, E7/B or E7/D and the runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Play the demoCommon questions
What are the inversions of E7?
Root position E G# B D, 1st inversion G# B D E (E7/G#), 2nd inversion B D E G# (E7/B) and 3rd inversion D E G# B (E7/D).
What is E7/D?
It is E7 in 3rd inversion: D E G# B from the bottom, with the seventh in the bass. Figured bass calls it 4/2.
Can I practise E7 inversions with a MIDI keyboard or microphone?
Yes. ChordRunner detects a USB MIDI keyboard automatically and also hears a piano through the microphone; every inversion of E7 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.
Try the demoKeep learning
E7 Chord on Piano (E Dominant 7th)
The E dominant 7th chord (E7 chord) on piano: notes E G# B D, inversions, shell voicing and its ii-V-I.…
Seventh Chords: The 5 Types Explained
Seventh chords explained: major 7th, dominant 7th, minor 7th, half-diminished and diminished 7th, with formula…
Piano Chord Chart: Every Chord in All 12 Keys
Piano chord chart with the notes of 288 chords: major, minor, 7ths, 9ths, sus and more in all 12 keys. Click a…
Chord Training That Feels Like a Game
Interactive chord training in your browser. Play major, minor, 7th and extended chords on a MIDI keyboard or a…
Master All 12 Major Chords on Piano
Every major chord on piano with notes and fingering, plus an interactive game that drills all 12 until they ar…
Master All 12 Minor Chords on Piano
All 12 minor chords on piano, how they differ from major, and a game that trains instant recall with your MIDI…