Skip to content
Chord & Fret

A/E — with the fifth in the bass (second inversion)

Notes in A/E: E – A – C#Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 / 5

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

C/G is the C chord with G in the bass — the second inversion. The notes are the same; the floor is what changes, and the chord starts to feel like a support, something held in place.

The same chord on all four instruments

A/E, 0 0 2 2 2 0A/E111EAEAC#E
Guitar
A/E, 0 0 2 2 2 0A/E111EAEAC#E
Electric guitar
A/E, 2 2 2 2A/E1111EAC#E
Cavaquinho
A/E, 6 4 0 0A/E421C#EEA
Ukulele

Where to use it: Bass pedals, chorus entrances and the classic preparation right before the main chord.

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of A/E. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Inversions (slash) family.

Other chords in this family

A/C#A/G#A/BA/DA/F#

See all chord types and qualities →