In the previous article we discussed triads and seventh chords - their structure, function, and notation. Today, it’s time for another essential concept in harmony: chord inversionsAlthough it may sound advanced, inversions are actually a very practical tool. They enrich the sound, improve voice leading, and help ensure that no part of the instrument catches you off guard while playing.
At Music Vox Studio in Kraków, we teach these concepts through hands-on experience, helping students play more consciously and creatively – regardless of their skill level.
What is a chord inversion?
Chord inversion s a reordering of the chord tones so that a different note, not the root, is placed in the bass (lowest voice). This changes the harmonic color and feel of the chord, even though the chord itself stays the same.
Let’s look at the example of the C major triad (C – E – G):
- Root position C – E – G
- 1st inversion: E – G – C
- 2nd inversion: G – C – E
On the staff, the notes may appear in different octaves depending on the instrument or voicing, but what matters is which note is lowest.
How to notate inversions?
We use slash notation or figured bass to show inversions::
| Inversion Type | Notation |
|---|---|
| Root position | C |
| 1st inversion (third in bass) | C/E |
| 2nd inversion (fifth in bass) | C/G |
In jazz and pop music, the slash notation, is most common, e.g. Am/E, G/B, F/A.
Why are inversions important?
🔹 Smoother transitions between chords - improved voice leading
🔹 More elegant sound – fewer jumps in the bass line
🔹 Better fit with vocal lines or melodies
🔹 Practical advantage – the ability to fully understand and map out chord tones across the entire instrument.
Chord inversions for guitar
Below are diagrams showing how each chord inversion appears on the fretboard. A helpful system to learn at the beginning is to divide the guitar strings into four groups:
- String group no. 1 = string 1 (E), string 2 (B), string 3 (G)
- String group no. 2 = string 2 (B), string 3 (G), string 4 (D)
- String group no. 3 = string 3 (G), string 4 (D), string 5 (A)
- String group no. 4 = string 4 (D), string 5 (A), string 6 (E)
Major triad:
Example using the Cmaj chord:
- Root position = C(1) + E(3) + G(5)
- 1st inversion = E(3) + G(5) + C(1)
- 2nd inversion = G(5) + C(1) + E(3)
1. String group no. 1
2. String group no. 2
3. String group no. 3
4. String group no. 4
Minor triad:
Example using the Cmin chord:
- Root position = C(1) + Eb(b3) + G(5)
- 1st inversion = Eb(b3) + G(5) + C(1)
- 2nd inversion = G(5) + C(1) + Eb(b3)
1. String group no. 1
2. String group no. 2
3. String group no. 3
4. String group no. 4
Diminished triad:
Example using the Cdim chord:
- Root position = C(1) + Eb(b3) + Gb(b5)
- 1st inversion = Eb(b3) + Gb(b5) + C(1)
- 2nd inversion = Gb(b5) + C(1) + Eb(b3)
1. String group no. 1
2. String group no. 2
3. String group no. 3
4. String group no. 4
Augmented triad:
Example using the Caug chord:
- Root position = C(1) + E(3) + G#(#5)
- 1st inversion = E(5) + G#(#5) + C(1)
- 2nd inversion = G#(5) + C(1) + E(3)
1. String group no. 1
2. String group no. 2
3. String group no. 3
4. String group no. 4
Exercises
Try playing or singing triads in different inversions:
🎧 Exercise 1: C major (C – E – G)
➡ 1st inversion: E – G – C
➡ 2nd inversion: G – C – E
🎧 Exercise 2: A minor (A – C – E)
➡ 1st inversion: C – E – A
➡ 2nd inversion: E – A – C
You can use our harmonic backing tracks or create your own – play the triad and its inversions, and listen closely to how the character changes.
- Major triad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AOBTtJ97o0
- Minor triad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKA5vle6mEw
- Diminished triad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-3GZ0zIcP4
- Augmented triad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBQpdZHkdlA
What’s next?
This is just the beginning — inversions also apply to seventh chords and extended chords. We’ll explore those in upcoming articles in this series.
🎓 Summary
Chord inversions are a powerful tool that can greatly enhance your harmonic vocabulary. They help you create smoother transitions, refine your arrangements, and open new possibilities in improvisation, composition, and singing.
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