Chord Inversions – 1st and 2nd Chord Inversions

 

Chord_Inversions_1100 10

 

We often play chords in their root chord position, But sometimes we would see chords are being played in their first or second inversions. How to play inverted chords?
 
To play C Major (M or Maj) in a Root Chord position, you’kll play:
Root – 3 – 5, which is C – E – G
 
C major chord – Root Chord position:
Chord_Inversions_Root_Chord_50

 



 

If we move the C one octave higher to be above the E and G, then E-G-C is the first inversion of C Major chord, see the figures below:
 
C major chord – 1st Inversion position: 
To play C Major Chord in the 1st Inversion, you will play: 
3 – 5 – Root, which is E – G – C 
 
Chord_Inversions_1st_Inversion_50
[Note: When you move the Root (C) to an octave higher – E (the original 3rd) has formed a bass, with the 5th (G) and the Root (C) stacked above E.
The inverted bass of E now has intervals of a 3rd and a 6th above it (E – G – C).
 
Click below to practice playing 1st Inversion Chord of C Major on the interactive Z-Board below:

 
 

Access free Music Tools - Virtual Piano 
to practice this song now: 
How to use Z-BOARD 
For all users (except for those who have a non-touch screen device) – 
click directly on the keypad of the Z-Board to play that key.

 

 

 

And, if we move the E one octave higher to be above the G and C, then G – C – E is the second inversion of C Major chord 
C major chord – 2nd Inversion position: 
To play C Major Chord in the 2nd Inversion, you will play: 
5 – Root – 3, which is G – C – E
 
Chord_Inversions_2nd_Inversion_50


 

When you move the 3rd of the triad (E) up – G (the 5th) has now formed a bass, with the Root (C) and the 3rd (E) stacked above G.
The inverted bass of G now has intervals of a 4th and a 6th above it (G – C – E).]

 

Access the free lesson to watch how these chord inversions can be applied into a song. You will notice that F chord played in 2nd inversion is C – F – A (instead of F – A – C), and G chord played in 1st inversion is B – D – G (instead of G – B – D)

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Review Major Chords and access major chord chart
major-chords-chart_zebrakeys300x250


 

 

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