Chord Inversions for the Left Hand
Rules
1. Chord inversions are different positions of the chord.
2. Root position of the chord is built on tone 1 of the chord.
3. First inversion of the chord is built on tone 3 of the chord.
4. Second inversion is built on tone 5 of the chord.
5. Exercises can be played using fingers 5-3-1 or 5-2-1 of the left hand.
6. Play or complete the following, then play, the following chord inversions.
Position root 1st inv. 2nd inv.
C MAJOR C-E-G E-G-C G-C-E
F MAJOR F-A-C A-C-F C-F-A
G MAJOR G-B-D B-D-G D-G-B
D MAJOR _________ __________ ___________
A MAJOR
E MAJOR
B MAJOR
7. How to use inversions in songs: Keep the common note of the new chord as the bottome of the old chord.
Example 1:
C to F to C will be played as
CEG (root pos'n of C) to
CFA (2nd inversion of F) to
CEG (root position again)
Example 2:
C to G to D
CEG (root pos'n of C) to
DGB (2nd inv.) to
D F# A (root pos'n of D)
8. If there is no common note in the new chord with the note on the bottom of the old chord, go to the closest note of the new chord to the old chord.
Example 3:
D to A to E
D F# A (root) to A C# E (2nd Inv) to E G# B (root)
