The notes (Chord tones) of a Triad be it Major, minor or diminished Triads can be rearranged carefully to birth inversions of these chords and it won’t lose its name.
Triads by default can only be inverted twice to give First and Second inversions respectively.
N:B : The initial Position whereby the Root note is the starting note is called “Root Position” Chord.
The Universal law of Chord Inversions states that the lowest/starting note will take its turn next at the top of the chord.
Hence, if we were to invert a C Major Triad.
Remember C Major Triad CEG = Root Position
Next step is to take “C” which is the lowest note and put it at the top
Result is EGC (first inversion of the C Major Triad)
You can further invert this chord “EGC” to get the second inversion of the C Major triad
Hence the Lowest note “E” goes to the top
Result is GCE (second inversion of the C Major Triad)
Now let’s try to invert the C Major Chord second inversion (GCE) a step further to see what happens
“G” is the lowest note hence we will take to the top.
Result is CEG (C Major Chord Root Position)
This means we can’t “Invert” it further, it will always return back to Root Position.
Why Chord Inversion?
Firstly, it reduces flying hands about the Keyboard/Piano to reach certain Chords when playing songs or chord progressions.
Consider both Progressions below
- CEG – FAC – GBD – CEG
- CEG – CFA – DGB – EGC
Which had less hand/finger movement, a or b ?
I believe you said “b”
They are exactly same chords however “b” uses inversions.
Secondly, enhance smooth sound transitions & melodic emphasis.
The Chord progression “b” above sounds smoother than “a” and emphasizes the melody G-A-B-C (Sol , La , Ti, Do) because notes at the top of chords sounds higher and clearer than notes at the bottom.
Thirdly, sometimes without really doing much change you still want to sound a bit different from the regular. Chord Inversions adds a variety to your playing.
In the next lesson we will explore songs using chord inversions. In the meantime, below are all Major & Minor triads including their inversions.
Chord Inversions