- A chord is written with the root at the base, followed by the third and finally the
fifth. The chord is in root position.
Root Position
E major
- The same chord can be placed differently. A triad has two INVERSIONS. The
first inversion has the third of the chord as the bottom note. The second
inversion has the fifth of the chord as the bottom note.
Root Position 1st Inversion 2nd Inversion
Root at base 3rd at the base 5th at the base
The example above shows the construction of the inverted chords.
Note:The position of the notes has little importance except the one at the base because it
indicates the existence of an inversion. The first three examples (below) are all chords
of E major 1st inversion because the base note is always G, third of the chord.
Inverted Triads (Chords)
