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How to Create Chord Inversions

A chord is a set of notes you play simultaneously to create a harmonic sound. Each chord consists of specific notes. For example, an F major chord always consists of the notes F, A and C. You first learn the notes in that order, with the F as the lowest note, the A in the middle, and the C as the highest note, but you can change the order of the notes and still have an F major chord. This is called inverting, and it subtly changes the sound of the chord without changing its function in the music.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write or play the basic version of the chord. This has the first note of the scale, called the root note, on the bottom; the third note of the scale in the middle; and the fifth note of the scale on top. In a C major chord, write or play C-E-G. This is called the root position.

    • 2

      Move the bottom note up one octave, so that the third is on the bottom and the root is on top. In a C major chord, write or play E-G-C. This is the first inversion.

    • 3

      Repeat this by moving the third from the bottom to the top, an octave higher. The chord now has the fifth on the bottom, the root in the middle and the third on top. In a C major chord, write or play G-C-E. This is the second inversion.

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