Inversions

Inversions are produced when you play the notes of a chord in different order.

For example, with the C major chord, you may produce the following inversions:

Inversions are useful to create a sense of movement, when you are playing the same chord.

They also have different auditive properties ... they sound slightly different, because, even though you are playing the same notes, you play them from different octaves and frequencies.

Inversions are also practical when you make transitions between chord progressions.

For example, say you are playing the electronic keyboard with rhythms, and your song has a change from C to Am.

It is easier to move from G-C-E (C in 2nd inversion) to A-C-E (Am in root position), than from C in root position.

You end up moving just one finger, instead of three and having to reposition your hand completely.