Chord Inversions & Slash Chords
The same three notes can sound completely different depending on which one sits at the bottom. That's the whole idea behind chord inversions.
What is a chord inversion?
A triad has three notes: root, 3rd, and 5th. Normally the root sits at the bottom — that's called root position. An inversion reorders those same three notes so a different one is the lowest, or "bass," note.
The three positions
| Position | Bass note | C major example |
|---|---|---|
| Root position | Root | C-E-G |
| First inversion | 3rd | E-G-C |
| Second inversion | 5th | G-C-E |
Reading slash chords
A slash chord spells out an inversion directly in the chord symbol: C/E means "play a C major chord, but put E in the bass." That's exactly C major in first inversion. Slash chords are the fastest way to notate an inversion on a lead sheet or chord chart.
Common questions
What is a chord inversion?
A voicing where a note other than the root is in the bass — the same three notes, reordered.
What is first inversion vs second inversion?
First inversion puts the 3rd in the bass; second inversion puts the 5th in the bass. Root position has the root in the bass.
What does a slash chord like C/E mean?
The letter before the slash is the chord; after is the bass note. C/E means C major with E in the bass — first inversion.
Why use chord inversions?
They create smoother bass lines and more varied voicings, letting chords connect naturally instead of always jumping to the root.
Hear every inversion on your instrument
Melody Monkey visualizes chord voicings on a live guitar, bass, ukulele, or piano — in any key, instantly.
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