Major, second inversion chord
Level 3: Inversions
Notes: A, C♯, E · Bass note: E · Open position
Also known as: A/E, A over E, A major over E, A slash E, A second inversion
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), A/E. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), A/E. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play A/E
- Place your first finger on the second fret of the D string.
- Place your second finger on the second fret of the G string.
- Place your third finger on the second fret of the B string.
- Strum all six 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/E, step by step
A short animation that builds the A/E 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/E
Practice progression
A, A/E
Switch between A and A/E until the changes feel smooth.