Triad Inversions — Root Position, First Inversion & Second Inversion Explained

Learn how triad inversions work, how they are constructed, and how to identify them in real musical contexts.

This tutorial explains what inversions are, how they change the sound of a chord, and how to recognise each inversion by its bass note. You’ll learn the three inversion types — root position, first inversion, and second inversion — and see how they apply to major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads.

We also explore two common notation systems used to indicate inversions:

• Slash‑Chord Notation (C/E, C/G) — widely used in modern music, lead sheets, guitar charts, and pop/jazz harmony.
• Figured Bass (6, 6/4) — essential for classical harmony, analysis, and voice‑leading.

Clear tables and manuscript examples show each inversion of the C major triad, along with interval structures and practical usage. You’ll also see how inversions can smooth chord progressions, improve voice‑leading, and create more expressive harmonic movement.

Perfect for:

Students, guitarists, pianists, composers, arrangers, and anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of harmony and chord structure.