Chord Inversions
Root Position G
So far, you have learned the C, F and G major chords. Because the lowest note in each of these three chords is the root note, the shape given is called the root position.
All major chords contain three different notes. These notes can be duplicated and/or played in a different shape. When the third (3) is the lowest note of the chord shape, the chord is said to be the first inversion. The following diagram illustrates the first inversion of the G major chord, which contains the notes B (3), D (5), and G (1) in that order.
First Inversion G/B
Note: The chord symbols for inversions are written with a slash. For example, the first inversion of the G major chord is written as G/B.
When the fifth (5) is the lowest note of the chord shape, the chord is said to be the second inversion. The following diagram illustrates the second inversion of the G major chord, which contains the notes D (5), G (1) and B (3) in that order.
Second Inversion G/D
Note: The second inversion of the G major chord is written as G/D.
The following example combines the inversions of the G major arpeggio patterns.
Major Sixth Chord
The major sixth chord is built upon the major chord by adding the sixth note of the major scale.
