LadyDpiano: How To Play Left Hand Chord Inversions

How To Play Left Hand Chord Inversions on the Piano

Chord Inversions are helpful when playing the piano so that you have more options for playing. Here you will find tips on how to play a chord inversion with your Left Hand.

We will start with a C chord. The notes for a C chord are C, E, G. This is also called the root. The C chord will always be C, E, G no matter how you rearrange it. Just like 1 + 2 + 3 = 6, no matter how you rearrange the numbers. Play the C, E, G with your 5 finger (pinky), 3 finger and 1 finger (thumb).

Step2

In order to play the 2nd inversion of the chord you need to rearrange the 3 notes. For the 2nd inversion, the notes will be in this order, E, G, C. Use your 5 finger, 3 finger and 1 finger.

Step3

The 3rd inversion is the same notes rearranged again, G, C, E. There is just a little change in the finger numbers, though. Use 5, 2 and 1.

This same format is used for every chord. Have your fingers use the same pattern for all the chord inversions.

How to Put Chord Inversions Together

For jazz, rock, guitar, piano and everything that involves playing or writing music, chord inversions are a must know. They give you the ability to create a better flow to the song and to make it easier to get from one chord to the other. You've probably heard the expression, Smooth Chord Progressions.

The basic concept to keep in mind with chord inversions is that you are simply taking the notes from the regular stack of notes and moving them to a different place on the guitar, piano or staff.

Practice playing the major chords in different inversions. Inversions of a chord use the same notes, but place a different note in the bass. For example, a C major chord is C, E, G. The first inversion of the C-major chord is E, G, C. The second inversion is G, C, E.

PIANO CHORD FINGERING for the LEFT HAND:

The same principle as the right hand, just reversed.

BASIC IDEA FOR CHORD FINGERING for the LEFT HAND:

Chords are every other note so use every other finger. 5-3-1

CHORD INVERSIONS:

Using C chord inversions for examples: It's all about spacing.

FIRST INVERSION C CHORD = E - G - C Use 5-3-1

1. E TO G = 3 note interval E - F - G, smallest grouping of notes

2. G TO C = 4 note interval G - A - B - C, largest grouping of notes

FIRST INVERSION CHORDS SHOULD USE FINGERING 5-3-1.

This is very easy fingering in the left hand, because when playing

G and C, we can use the widest range in our hand the 3 to the thumb.

SECOND INVERSION C CHORD = G - C - E Use 5-2-1

1. G to C = 4 note interval, G - A - B - C largest grouping of notes,

2. C TO E =3 note interval, C - D - E smallest grouping of notes

SECOND INVERSION CHORDS SHOULD USE FINGERING 5-2-1

WHY? G to C is the largest grouping of notes, so we have to

accommodate that with using the 2 finger on C, adding more

space between our fingers.

Remember, the basic principles of fingering is to use your fingers and hand

in natural positions. Always think of how the black keys are used in your

songs, and how to use the tight and open hand spans. I've used the scales and chord fingerings to help you get this idea.

For more further study on this subject, check out some of my articles:

Left-Hand-Bass-Parts

Inversion-of-Chords

You may be interested in two great resources that I use from my music library are:

300pg Piano By Ear Home Study Course

Chords 101 & 102

photo credit: Day 96. Practice. via photopin (license)