Chord inversions are alternative versions of a chord where the order of the notes is rearranged, changing which note is the lowest (bass) note. Instead of always playing the root note at the bottom, an inversion puts a different chord tone in the bass, resulting in a new sound and smoother transitions between chords.
- Definition: Rearranging the notes of a chord so a note other than the root is in the bass.
- Purpose: Create smoother voice leading, add variety, and change the chord’s bass emphasis.
- Common Inversions:
- 1st inversion: The 3rd becomes the bass.
- 2nd inversion: The 5th becomes the bass.
A chord inversion is when the order of the notes in a chord is changed so that a note other than the root is the lowest note (bass).
Chord inversions help create smoother voice leading, add new sounds, and change the bass note for variety.
How Chord Inversions Work
A major or minor triad has three notes: root, 3rd, and 5th.
- Root position: Root is the lowest note.
- 1st inversion: The 3rd is lowest; the root is moved up an octave.
- 2nd inversion: The 5th is lowest; the root and 3rd are moved up.
For example, a C major chord is C-E-G:
- Root position: C (bass) - E - G
- 1st inversion: E (bass) - G - C
- 2nd inversion: G (bass) - C - E
C major is C-E-G. Inversions rearrange these notes so E or G is in the bass.
Chord Inversions on Guitar
On guitar, chord inversions often involve moving parts of a chord shape so a different note becomes the lowest pitched note you play. Because of the guitar’s tuning and physical layout, you may not always play all three notes in every inversion, but the important thing is which note is lowest.
Example: C Major Chord Inversions
- Root position: A common open C major chord (C-E-G) with C as the bass note (lowest note played).
- 1st inversion: Play an E note as the bass (lowest sounding note), with G and C above it.
- 2nd inversion: Play a G note as the bass, with C and E above it.
In the 1st inversion, the 3rd of the chord is in the bass. For C major, that's E.
Bass notes for inversions are: root position = root, 1st inversion = 3rd, 2nd inversion = 5th.
Exercises
- Identify the bass note in each inversion of an F major chord (notes: F, A, C).
- Draw or write out the note orders for root position, first, and second inversions of a G major chord.
- What is the advantage of using chord inversions in a chord progression? Explain in your own words.
Conclusion
Chord inversions give you powerful tools for adding variety, creating smooth progressions, and exploring new sounds on the guitar. By changing which note you play as the bass, you can reinvent familiar chords in exciting ways.
- Inversions rearrange chord notes so a different tone anchors the bass.
- They enable smoother transitions and fresh harmonic colors.
- Mastering inversions boosts your flexibility and musicality as a guitarist.
For triads, the bass notes for inversions are root (root position), 3rd (1st inversion), and 5th (2nd inversion).
Chord inversions do not necessarily make chords easier to memorize; their benefits focus on smoother transitions and new sounds.
The C major triad is C, E, G. In root position it's C-E-G; 1st inversion E-G-C; 2nd inversion G-C-E.
In the first inversion, the bass note is the 3rd of the chord, which for C major is E.
Inversions change which note is the bass and rearrange chord shapes for smoother transitions.