Inversions are simply playing the same chord with the notes rearranged. For example,
we learned C major as (C, E, G), but it could also be played (E, G, C) or (G, C, E). These are called inversions of C major. To be more exact, (E, G, C) is the first inversion of C major and (G, C, E) is the second inversion of C major. The original order, (C, E, G), is actually referred to as root position. Creating a first inversion chord means moving the bottom note to the top of the chord. Creating a second inversion chord means moving the first and second note to the top of the chord. This is inverting the chord or turning the chord upside down. The different ways of playing a chord are commonly referred to as voicings. This allows us to play the same chord, but have it sound differently. Another purpose is to make it easier to move from one chord to the next.
Test Your Knowledge
What position is a Major chord in if you invert it a third time?
Exercises:
1. Practice playing the root, 1st inversion, and 2nd inversion of your major chords.
2. Practice playing the root, 1st inversion, and 2nd inversion of your minor chords.
3. Using the
random notes chart for natural notes or the
random notes chart for all notes , play the root, 1st inversion, and 2nd inversion of the major or minor chords for each note.
You may now be interested in
Major Scale Harmony.
