Chord inversions: root position, first and second
A chord inversion is the same chord with a different note at the bottom. In root position the root is lowest, in first inversion the third is lowest, and in second inversion the fifth is lowest. Inversions make chord changes smoother.
A chord inversion is a way of playing the same chord with its notes rearranged so a different note sits at the bottom. The chord has not changed. C major is still C major, whether you play C, E, G from the bottom or E, G, C. What changes is the lowest note, which changes how the chord sounds and how easily your hand can move to the next one.
Learning inversions is one of the most practical skills for a pianist or guitarist, because it lets you change chords with tiny movements instead of big jumps. This page explains each inversion, how to name it and how to use it.
What is root position?
A chord is in root position when the root is the lowest note. In root position, the notes are stacked in thirds: root, third, fifth. This is the form you learn first, and it sounds the most solid and stable. For a C major chord it is C, E, G. For more about how chords are built, see piano chords.
What is first inversion?
In first inversion, the root moves up an octave and the third is now at the bottom. C major becomes E, G, C. The intervals above the bottom note are now a minor third and a perfect fourth. First inversion sounds lighter and a little less settled than root position.
What is second inversion?
In second inversion, the third also moves up an octave, so the fifth is at the bottom. C major becomes G, C, E. The intervals above the bottom note are a perfect fourth and a major third. Second inversion has a floating character and is often used in specific places, for example as a passing chord or just before a cadence.
What about seventh chords?
A chord with four notes has one more inversion. In third inversion, the seventh is at the bottom. G7 in root position is G, B, D, F. In third inversion it is F, G, B, D. Inverting a seventh chord keeps all its notes and still sounds like G7, but the dissonant seventh sitting in the bass gives it a strong urge to resolve downward by step.
| Position | Lowest note | C major notes from the bottom | Figured bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | root | C, E, G | 5/3 (usually not written) |
| First inversion | third | E, G, C | 6 |
| Second inversion | fifth | G, C, E | 6/4 |
How are inversions written?
In lead sheets, inversions use slash chords. The symbol C/E means play a C chord with E in the bass, which is first inversion. C/G means C chord with G in the bass, which is second inversion. The note after the slash is always the lowest note.
In classical analysis, the numerals get small figures. A first inversion chord is written with a 6, as in I6, because the intervals above the bass include a sixth. A second inversion chord is written with 6/4, as in I6/4. This system of figures comes from Baroque figured bass, where players read numbers under a bass line.
Why do musicians use inversions?
There are three main reasons. First, smooth movement. Instead of jumping your hand from C to F, you can keep the C and move the other two notes a little. Second, the bass line. Inversions let the bass move by step instead of by leap, which makes a more singable bass. Third, color and variety, because different inversions have different weight.
To see how little the hand needs to move, play C, E, G, then change to C, F, A. Two notes move by one step and one note stays. Compare that to jumping all the way up to F, A, C in root position.
How do you practice inversions?
- Play a C major triad in root position with fingers 1, 3 and 5.
- Move the bottom note up to the top for first inversion, and use fingers 1, 2 and 5.
- Do it again for second inversion, with fingers 1, 3 and 5.
- Do it all in one flowing motion: root, first, second, then root an octave higher.
- Repeat on every white key, then every black key. Use the pattern for minor chords too.
Practice tip: count the notes, not the fingers. After any chord, you can always find which inversion you are in by looking at the lowest note and asking whether it is the root, the third or the fifth.
Once inversions feel easy, try them in a chord progression. Choose the inversion that keeps your hand closest to where it already is.
Check yourself
1. In first inversion, which note of the chord is lowest?
Answer: Third. First inversion moves the root to the top, leaving the third at the bottom.
2. What is C major in second inversion, from the bottom?
Answer: G, C, E. Second inversion has the fifth (G) lowest, then C and E.
3. What does the slash chord C/E mean?
Answer: C chord with E in the bass. The note after the slash is the lowest note, here the third of C.
4. Why might a pianist use an inversion?
Answer: To move the hand less. Inversions keep common notes in place so chord changes need only small movements.
5. Which inversion exists only for four-note chords?
Answer: Third. Only chords with a seventh have a note that can be moved to make a third inversion.