Note: If you have not viewed the lesson on open chords, it is highly recommended you do so before going through this course.

Chord Inversions 

Up to this point, each chord we have learned has had the root of the chord as the lowest note. These chords are said to be in root position. A chord inversion is a chord that has either the 3rd or 5th (or 7th with seventh chords) of that chord as its lowest note. A first Inversion chord has the 3rd of the chord in the bass and a second inversion chord has the 5th of the chord as the lowest note. Any major or minor chord can have two inversions, while 7th chords can have three inversions. 

The chord symbol for a C/G chord, which is a C major chord with a G note in the bass.

Chord inversions are notated with two notes separated by a backslash. The letter before the backslash determines the chord, while the letter to the right of the backslash denotes the bass note of that chord. 

C major chord with chord inversions.

 
 
 
 

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