{"id":4981,"date":"2017-09-27T13:20:07","date_gmt":"2017-09-27T17:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.musikalessons.com\/blog\/?p=4981"},"modified":"2023-01-25T13:25:32","modified_gmt":"2023-01-25T18:25:32","slug":"chord-inversions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.musikalessons.com\/blog\/2017\/09\/chord-inversions\/","title":{"rendered":"Chord Inversions: How They Work and How To Play Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

If composers and songwriters stuck to using only basic chords in their work, the music we know and love to day wouldn\u2019t sound anywhere near as compelling and vibrant. Chord inversions add an entirely new dimension to basic and extended chords, and they\u2019re a great tool for songwriters and composers looking for ways to keep their music sounding fresh and interesting. Everyone from Debussy to Brian Wilson have found ways to make great use of chord inversions in their work, and whether you\u2019re a performer or writer, having a good grasp on what they are and how they\u2019re constructed will help you be better at what you do. <\/span><\/p>\n

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You\u2019ll need to have a general understanding of music theory concepts like intervals and basic chords in order for this article to be helpful to you. If you need help learning about those topics, <\/span>check out our article on music theory.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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How chord inversions relate to basic chords<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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A chord inversion occurs when any note other than the root of a basic chord is played down at the bass. For example, a basic C major chord includes the notes C, E and G. C, the chord note name and root, is placed at the bottom of the chord. If you came across a chord in music where G was in the bass note under other notes found in a C major chord, then you\u2019d be looking at a C major chord inversion. <\/span><\/p>\n

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The song \u201cGod Only Knows\u201d by The Beach Boys is an incredible example of how chord inversions can be used in a song. The verse\u2019s use of inverted chords adds a distinct tension and mood that couldn’t have been conveyed by using only basic chords:<\/span><\/p>\n

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