Major, second inversion chord
Level 3: Inversions
Notes: A♭, C, E♭ · Bass note: E♭ · Frets 4 to 6
Also known as: A♭/E♭, Ab/Eb, A♭ over E♭, Ab over Eb, 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♭
- Lay your first finger flat across the B and high E strings at the fourth fret.
- Place your second finger on the fifth fret of the G string.
- Place your third finger on the sixth fret of the A string.
- Place your fourth finger on the sixth fret of the D 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♭/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.