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Learn › F Sharp Major Chord Inversions (F#, F#/A#, F#/C#)

New Released in April 2026

F Sharp Major Chord Inversions (F#, F#/A#, F#/C#)

F sharp major chord inversions: root position F# (F# A# C#), 1st inversion F#/A# (A# C# F#) and 2nd inversion F#/C# (C# F# A#). Same three notes, a different note in the bass. 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#/A# A# C# F#

The three positions of F#

Root position starts on F#, the 1st inversion on A#, the 2nd on C#.

F# F# A# C#

Root position: F# A# C#

F#/A# A# C# F#

1st inversion: A# C# F#

F#/C# C# F# A#

2nd inversion: C# F# A#

  • Root position: starts on F#, a black key; black keys: F#, A#, C#
  • 1st inversion: starts on A#, a black key; black keys: A#, C#, F#
  • 2nd inversion: starts on C#, a black key; black keys: C#, F#, A#

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.

PositionBassNameFigured bassShape (bottom to top)
Root positionF#F#5/3major 3rd + minor 3rd
1st inversionA#F#/A#6 (6/3)minor 3rd + perfect 4th
2nd inversionC#F#/C#6/4perfect 4th + major 3rd

F# inversions: which fingers

PositionRight handLeft hand
Root position (F# A# C#)1-3-55-3-1
1st inversion (A# C# F#)1-2-55-3-1
2nd inversion (C# F# A#)1-3-55-2-1

The 1st inversion is the only one that changes the right hand: 1-2-5, because the fourth sits on top.

Why F# inversions matter: F# → B/F# → C#/E# → F#

This is the reason pianists learn inversions: F# → B/F# → C#/E# → F# keeps the hand still while the chords change. The common note F# stays under the same finger.

F# F# A# C#
B/F# F# B D#
C#/E# E# G# C#
  • From F# to B/F#: F# stays, A# → B, C# → D#.
  • From B/F# to C#/E#: F# → E#, B → G#, D# → C#.
  • From C#/E# to F#: E# → F#, G# → A#, C# stays.
ChordRunner showing a chord block while hands play the piano

Make the inversions automatic

ChordRunner accepts every voicing, so you can drill F#/A# and F#/C# at speed between other chords. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.

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The F# chord · All piano chords · Chord inversions explained

Common questions

What is the first inversion of F sharp major?

The 1st inversion of F# is A# C# F#, written F#/A#: the third, A#, is in the bass and F# moves to the top. In figured bass it is a 6 chord.

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.

When are F# inversions used?

Whenever F# follows or precedes a nearby chord. In F# → B/F# → C#/E# → F# the bass walks by small steps and the right hand hardly moves, which is how accompaniments sound smooth.

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.

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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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