Triads: Inversions

So far, all of the chords have been built with the root as the lowest note. But you can create subtle variations in sound by reordering the notes so that a different note is at the bottom. This process is called inversion.

A triad with the root as the lowest note is said to be in root position.

A first inversion triad has the third of the chord as the lowest note. The root is then transposed up an octave.

A second inversion triad has the fifth of the chord as the lowest note.