C Chord (Second Inversion)
In Lesson 5 you learnt that the C chord contains three notes – C, E and G – and you learnt how to play the C chord with the C as the lowest note of the chord. Sometimes it is easier to play the C chord with G as the lowest note. To play the C chord in this way, use the first, second and fifth fingers of your left hand, as shown in the diagram.
When C is the lowest note of the C chord, the chord is said to be in root position. When E is the lowest note, the chord is said to be in its first inversion. The new C chord fingering shown on this page, with G as the lowest note, is called the second inversion of the C chord.
The F chord that was introduced on page 24 is actually a second inversion F chord. Inversions are commonly used to make chord changes easier to play and smoother sounding when changing between chords.
