Learn › G Major Chord Inversions (G, G/B, G/D)
New Released in April 2026
G Major Chord Inversions (G, G/B, G/D)
G major chord inversions: root position G (G B D), 1st inversion G/B (B D G) and 2nd inversion G/D (D G B). 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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Root position or inversion? The quick check for G
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 | G | G | 5/3 | major 3rd + minor 3rd |
| 1st inversion | B | G/B | 6 (6/3) | minor 3rd + perfect 4th |
| 2nd inversion | D | G/D | 6/4 | perfect 4th + major 3rd |
G inversions on the keyboard
The lowest note names the inversion. The chord is still G.
Root position: G B D
1st inversion: B D G
2nd inversion: D G B
- Root position: starts on G, a white key; all white keys
- 1st inversion: starts on B, a white key; all white keys
- 2nd inversion: starts on D, a white key; all white keys
Inversions in a progression: G → C/G → D/F# → G
Played in root position, G, C and D make the hand jump. With inversions every chord sits in the same place: G → C/G → D/F# → G. Most notes stay, the others move a step.
- From G to C/G: G stays, B → C, D → E.
- From C/G to D/F#: G → F#, C → A, E → D.
- From D/F# to G: F# → G, A → B, D stays.
Fingering for each G inversion
| Position | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|
| Root position (G B D) | 1-3-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 1st inversion (B D G) | 1-2-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 2nd inversion (D G B) | 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.
Practise G in every position
In ChordRunner any inversion of G counts: play root position, G/B or G/D and the runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Play the demoCommon questions
What is the first inversion of G major?
The 1st inversion of G is B D G, written G/B: the third, B, is in the bass and G moves to the top. In figured bass it is a 6 chord.
What is the second inversion of G major?
The 2nd inversion is D G B, written G/D: the fifth, D, is in the bass. Figured bass calls it a 6/4 chord.
Which fingers play G/B and G/D?
G/B: right hand 1-2-5 (the fourth D-G sits on top), left hand 5-3-1. G/D: right hand 1-3-5, left hand 5-2-1 because the fourth is now at the bottom.
Why learn G inversions?
They let you change chords without moving the hand. G → C/G → D/F# → G uses inversions so most notes stay where they are and the others move by a step.
Can I practise G/B and G/D 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 G 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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