Fingerings for Triads
Review: Chords
It is recommended that you complete the lessons on
Understanding Triads,
Types of Triads, and
Understanding Triad Inversions before reading this lesson.
Root Position
A
Root Position chord, as you already know, is one that has not been inverted.
The best way to play Root Position chords is to use fingers 1, 3 and 5 in each hand.
By using these fingerings they will match up with what you have already been practicing when playing the Five Finger Patterns.
Right Hand
From the bottom of the triad upward, use fingers 1 (thumb), 3 (middle), and 5 (pinky).
G
1
3
5
Left Hand
From the bottom of the triad upward, use fingers 5 (pinky), 3 (middle), and 1 (thumb).
G
5
3
1
1st Inversion
A
1st Inversion triad has the 3rd as the lowest note.
Right Hand
From the bottom of the triad upward, use fingers 1 (thumb), 2 (index), and 5 (pinky).
Notice the change to the 2nd finger (index finger) for the middle note.
(Alternately, you can play it 1, 3, 5 and just stretch your pinky up to reach to top note.)
Em/G
1
2
5
Left Hand
From the bottom of the triad upward, use fingers 5 (pinky), 3 (middle), and 1 (thumb).
This is the same as Root position, but you will need to stretch your thumb up to reach the top note.
Em/G
5
3
1
2nd Inversion
A
2nd Inversion triad has the fifth as the lowest note.
Right Hand
From the bottom of the triad upward, use fingers 1 (thumb), 3 (middle), and 5 (pinky).
Notice that this is the same as the Root Position triad fingerings.
The only difference is that there will be the interval of a 4th between your thumb and middle finger instead of a 3rd.
C/G
1
3
5
Left Hand
From the bottom of the triad upward, use fingers 5 (pinky), 2 (index), and 1 (thumb).
Notice the change to the 2nd finger (index finger) for the middle note.
C/G
5
2
1
Effective Practice
Remember that practice does not make perfect.
Only perfect practice makes perfect.
If you are careful to use these fingerings each time you play then you will eventually be able to play inverted triads easily without thinking about it.