F Major (F)
1+3+5
Notes in F Major
F (root)AC
Inversions
Same notes as F Major, with a different chord tone as the lowest note. Useful for smoother movement between chords instead of jumping around the keyboard.
Root position
F in the bass
1st inversion
A in the bass
2nd inversion
C in the bass
F Major is built from F, A and C.
Built from a root, a major third and a perfect fifth, this is the chord most people picture when they think of the word chord. It sounds bright, settled and complete on its own, which is exactly why it works so well as home base in a progression. It's usually the first chord shape anyone learns at the piano, and for good reason: the hand position barely moves between one major triad and the next.