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← Learn·Chord Inversions

Root Position and Inversions

Builds on Seventh Chords

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So far every chord has been in root position — root on the bottom, third and fifth stacked above. An inversion simply moves the root (or another chord tone) to a different position in the stack, usually because the lowest-sounding note needs to be something other than the root.

In 1st inversion, the 3rd is the lowest note (the root moves up an octave). In 2nd inversion, the 5th is the lowest note. Seventh chords add a 3rd inversion, where the 7th itself sits on the bottom. The chord's letter-name and quality don't change — only which chord tone is lowest.

💡 Tip

Listen for the bass note first, then work out which chord tone it is. A chord that 'feels' major but has an unusually tense, floaty bass is often a major or minor chord in 2nd inversion, since a 5th-in-the-bass sound is naturally less stable than root-in-the-bass.

⚠️ Common mistake

Assuming an inverted chord is a different chord entirely. C major in 1st inversion (E-G-C) is still a C major chord — same three notes, same letter name — just rearranged so E is lowest.

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📝 Summary

Inversions rearrange which chord tone sits at the bottom (root, 3rd, 5th, or for sevenths, the 7th) without changing the chord's underlying identity.

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