Learn › F Major Chord Inversions (F, F/A, F/C)
New Released in April 2026
F Major Chord Inversions (F, F/A, F/C)
The F major chord has three positions. Put A in the bass for the 1st inversion (F/A) and C in the bass for the 2nd inversion (F/C). Root position starts on F. 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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F major chord: root position, 1st and 2nd inversion
Same notes, new bass: that is all an inversion changes.
Root position: F A C
1st inversion: A C F
2nd inversion: C F A
- Root position: starts on F, a white key; all white keys
- 1st inversion: starts on A, a white key; all white keys
- 2nd inversion: starts on C, a white key; all white keys
Inversions in a progression: F → Bb/F → C/E → F
This is the reason pianists learn inversions: F → Bb/F → C/E → F keeps the hand still while the chords change. The common note F stays under the same finger.
- From F to Bb/F: F stays, A → Bb, C → D.
- From Bb/F to C/E: F → E, Bb → G, D → C.
- From C/E to F: E → F, G → A, C stays.
Root position or inversion? The quick check for F
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 | F | F | 5/3 | major 3rd + minor 3rd |
| 1st inversion | A | F/A | 6 (6/3) | minor 3rd + perfect 4th |
| 2nd inversion | C | F/C | 6/4 | perfect 4th + major 3rd |
Both hands, all three positions
| Position | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|
| Root position (F A C) | 1-3-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 1st inversion (A C F) | 1-2-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 2nd inversion (C F A) | 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.
Make the inversions automatic
In ChordRunner any inversion of F counts: play root position, F/A or F/C and the runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Play the demoCommon questions
What notes are in the F chord 1st inversion?
A C F, from the bottom up. It is still F; the slash name F/A tells you that A is the lowest note.
How do I recognise F/C on the piano?
Look at the lowest interval. In F/C it is a perfect fourth, C to F; the top note of that fourth, F, is the root.
What fingering do I use for F 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.
Why learn F inversions?
They let you change chords without moving the hand. F → Bb/F → C/E → F uses inversions so most notes stay where they are and the others move by a step.
Can I practise F/A and F/C 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 F 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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