The trick that takes every chord to the next level
Inversions!
Hey guitar players,
Your standard open chords are a great place to start when learning guitar. But some simple adjustments can turn these shapes in to something far more beautiful.
You access a ton of musical moods & possibilities. And add a whole new dimension to your playing ability.
The Technique
An inversion is when you essentially play the same chord, but the notes are in a different order. It’s a small tweak that can produce a massive shift in sound. It’s as if the same chord takes on a whole new personality.
Shape your standard C Major Bar at the 3rd fret:
Now use your 3rd finger to play the ‘A’ string, at the 7th fret:
We have taken the ‘E’ note that exists within the chord C Major and made this the first note that is played.
A C Major chord is made up of the notes - C - E - G. We have taken the first note that follows C (which is ‘E’) - and placed this in the bass. We are now playing C/E (C over E) - or, C Major 1st Inversion.
This inversion shape can now be shifted up and down the fretboard. Try it.
If we put the note ‘G’ in the bass, we would be playing C Major 2nd inversion, or C/G. Try this shape:
Or:
Again, each of these shapes can be moved up and down the fretboard.
Why do inversions matter?
Variety & Flavor: Inversions give you access to different voicings, allowing you to play the same chord in new ways. These new voicings bring variety, making your playing richer and more dynamic.
Ease of Access: In some cases, you can achieve an inversion with a simple change from a familiar chord shape. For example, if you play a standard D major chord and want to try its 1st inversion, you can achieve this by moving one finger!
Either add your 4th finger to the 4th fret of the ‘D’ string:
Or use your 1st and 2nd fingers for the ‘G’ & ‘B’ string, then add your 3rd finger to the 4th fret of the ‘D’ :
Explore the Fretboard: Some inversion shapes are easy to move around, meaning you can take one shape and shift it up and down the entirety of the neck. This helps you explore the fretboard with ease while maintaining the same harmonic foundation. It’s a fantastic way to break out of the open chord zone and discover new territory. Try this.
Start with a standard F Shape:
And turn it into F/C:
Now shift this shape effortlessly, to anywhere on the neck.
** Every inversion shape I’ve shown, can be moved up and down the fretboard. Make sure you retain the same fret distance for each one, don’t add any unwanted open strings, and you will be able to play that inversion at every fret on the neck 💥
Finding it hard to make sense of this information with just txt? Check a YouTube tutorial I made on a popular inversion shape here
Give me a shout if you have any questions.
Inversion Progression
Take things to the next level with an inversion chord progression 🙌
Start by playing a standard C Major - A Minor - F Major - G Major progression:
And then try the same, higher up the fretboard, but with a combination of inversions:
Or:
Those last two progression will push you way past the beginner level of guitar. But I encourage you try it. The results are incredibly rewarding!
🎸 New Course
My new course, that is all about guitar chords - will be dropping very soon!
This inversion info will give you a good head start 😉
Keep your eyes peeled for a sneak preview and free access 👀
👌 Recommendations
Billy Nomates - Balance Is Gone: Released last year, but I’m currently enjoying the whole album that this is taken from. And this opening track is a banger! Tons of energy.
Nick Cave - Conversion: I find a lot of beauty in many of Nick Caves records and the new album has a few gems. This track builds brilliantly. And the change in dynamic really grabbed my attention!
🌍 Links (There’s A Free Guitar Course!)
🎸 Free Beginner Guitar Course (Become A Confident & Creative Guitarist)
🎸 Learn Guitar: The Complete Beginners Guide
🎸 Guitar Practice: Improve Finger Strength, Stretch, Speed & Independence
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Speak soon,
Marc
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