REWIRE MUSIC THEORY 

Learn

4.2 Inversions

Triads can be re-ordered by moving a chord tone from the bottom voice to the top by a process called inversion. Inversions are used to create better sounding chordal parts in a progression.

  • Watch the walkthrough video.

  • Learn the information below.

inverting triads

This chart shows the location of chord tones in a root position, first inversion, and second inversion closed voiced triad.

voice leading

Chords in a progression can be inverted to create minimal movement between voices, which is called smooth voice leading. In order to achieve smooth voice leading, choose inversions for which the notes in each voice (bottom, middle, or top) stay the same or move up or down by one note only.

 

EXAMPLE 1

C is a common tone between the C (I) and F (IV) chord: It is the fifth of the IV chord and needs to be in the bottom voice. Move the IV chord to second inversion to retain smooth voice leading.

 
 

EXAMPLE 2

IV and V are next to each other in the scale and share no common tones. Move the V chord to second inversion to make sure the notes in each voice only move by one letter.

 

Right hand finger placement

Use the same fingers for each inversion type to develop muscle memory when playing chord progressions. This chart shows which fingers should be used for each inversion.

 

Identify

TRIAD INVERSIONS

 
 

Practice

INVERSIONS IN C MAJOR

  • Play a C Major chord through all inversions.

  • Play a I IV I V I chord progression in the key of C major.

  • Use This Chart and the videos to help with the activity.

INVERSION MASTERY

  • Practice playing inversions in all keys with your right hand.

  • With enough work, you will be able to play these chords without having to think about finger placement.

OPEN IN NOTEFLIGHT

 

Play

POP SONGS

  • Choose a song from the list of pop piano favorites.

  • Select a section of the song (chorus, verse, bridge).

  • Complete the Pop Piano Song Organizer →.

  • Play the triad inversions with your right hand and the bass notes with your left hand.

 

Listen

INVERSION EAR TRAINING

Use the Drum + Drone exercise to work on hearing triad inversions.

  • Sing, hum, or play along with the triad inversion drum and drone video.

  • Practice arpeggiating other chord progressions using the solfege in the Inversion Chart.