Major, first inversion chord
Level 3: Inversions
Notes: A♭, C, E♭ · Bass note: C · Frets 1 to 4
Also known as: A♭/C, Ab/C, A♭ over C, Ab over C, A♭ major over C, A♭ slash C, A♭ first inversion
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), A♭/C. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), A♭/C. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play A♭/C
- Lay your first finger flat across the D, G and B strings at the first fret.
- Place your third finger on the third fret of the A string.
- Place your fourth finger on the fourth fret of the high E string.
- Strum only the A, D, G, B and high E strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Play the basic chord first, then this inversion, and listen to how smoothly the bass note moves.
Chord video
Watch A♭/C, step by step
A short animation that builds the A♭/C chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice A♭/C
Practice progression
A♭, A♭/C
Switch between A♭ and A♭/C until the changes feel smooth.