Learn what chord inversions are, how to write them on the staff, and why they matter for smooth voice leading, piano accompaniment and guitar chord voicings.
When you rearrange the notes of a chord so a note other than the root is in the bass (lowest position), you create an inversion. Inversions keep chord progressions smooth by minimizing hand and voice movement between chords.
The root is in the bass. C-E-G (C in the bass) = root position C major triad. This is the most stable, grounded sound.
The third is in the bass. E-G-C (E in the bass) = first inversion C major triad (written C/E). Sounds lighter, less grounded — ideal for transitional passages.
The fifth is in the bass. G-C-E (G in the bass) = second inversion C major triad (written C/G). Unstable, wants to resolve — often used in cadential patterns (I64-V-I) at phrase endings.
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