Member Library • Chord Reference

All Major Chords With Inversions

A major triad only has three notes — but those three notes can be arranged in three different ways. Learning root position, first inversion and second inversion gives you the freedom to move smoothly between chords instead of jumping all over the keyboard.

12 Major Keys Root Position 1st Inversion 2nd Inversion
Major Chord Training

C Major Triad

C
How to use this page: Pick a key below, watch the lesson, then play the chord in all three positions several times. Don't just memorize the notes — notice how the same three notes simply rotate.
Choose a Major Key Click any key to load its lesson.

How Inversions Work

You don't need three completely different chords. You're simply rearranging the same three notes. Here's C major as an example.

Position 1

Root Position

C • E • G

Position 2

1st Inversion

E • G • C

Position 3

2nd Inversion

G • C • E

The easy way to think about it: start with your root-position chord. Move the bottom note to the top and you get 1st inversion. Do it again and you get 2nd inversion. One more time brings you right back to root position.

Smoother Chord Changes

Instead of jumping your entire hand to a new location, choose the inversion that keeps your notes close together.

Better Sounding Progressions

Inversions create smoother movement between chords and make simple progressions sound much more musical.

Freedom Around the Keyboard

Once you know all three shapes, you're no longer locked into playing every chord in root position.