C chord inversions

C/E and C/G are the first and second inversions of the C major. This means that the bass tone is shifting from C to E or G. Both these chords are also referred to as slash chords.

C/E

C/G

Try in a chord progression

C/E - F - G
G - C/G - G

Theory of the C/E and C/G chords

Both chords consist of the notes C, E, G. The difference is that the order of notes shifts. E is the bass note in the first inversion and G is the bass note in the second inversion. A comparison between the main C major and the two inversions can be seen below.

Alternative fingerings

C/E can also be played as XX2010. C/G can also be played as 3X2010 or 3X2013.

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Alternative chord names

C/E is identical with Em#5 and Gsus4/E.
C/G is identical with G6sus4.

Chord construction

C x - C - E - G - C - E
C/E E - C - E - G - C - E
C/G G - C - E - G - C - E
Guitar versions of the chord

Notes in chord

C C - E - G
C/E E - G - C
C/G G - C - E
Only the order of notes differs