Theory · glossary
Inversion
Also called chord inversion, first inversion, second inversion
An inversion is a chord played with a note other than the root at the bottom. C major in root position is C E G; first inversion puts E lowest (E G C) and second inversion puts G lowest (G C E).
An inversion keeps the same chord and changes which of its notes is lowest. C E G, E G C and G C E are all C major. What changes is the bass note, and with it the weight of the sound.
Root position, first and second inversion in C major
| Position | Lowest note | Bottom to top | Written |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | C, the root | C E G | C |
| First inversion | E, the third | E G C | C/E |
| Second inversion | G, the fifth | G C E | C/G |
Only the lowest note sets the name. With E on the bottom, the chord is in first inversion whatever order the notes above it come in. Seventh chords get a fourth option: third inversion puts the seventh in the bass, so G7 with F lowest (F G B D) is written G7/F.
Root position sounds the most settled. First inversion is lighter and less final. Second inversion sounds unsteady over its bass and tends to lead somewhere, which is why classical pieces often place it just before the V chord at a cadence.
Where beginners meet inversions
Most often on piano, the first time you play C, F and G with one hand. Jumping the whole hand from C E G to F A C to G B D is clumsy. Play C (C E G), then F in second inversion (C F A), then G in first inversion (B D G), and your hand barely moves. That habit of choosing the nearest shape is voice leading.
Chord charts write inversions as slash chords such as C/E. They also let a bass line walk: C, G/B, Am steps the bass down C, B, A while the chords above stay close together. How to Write a Chord Progression in 5 Steps uses this trick with G/B, and How to Read Chord Symbols explains the slash notation.
Updated . All terms · Try the online chord pads