A chord is in root position when the root is in the bass; first and second inversions place the third or fifth in the bass

Any chord can be arranged with different notes in the bass. Root position (most stable): root is the lowest note. First inversion: the third is the lowest note — slightly less stable, often used for smooth bass movement. Second inversion: the fifth is the lowest note — the most unstable, requiring careful resolution. In popular music notation, inversions are shown as slash chords: C/E = C major with E in the bass (first inversion); C/G = C major with G in the bass (second inversion). Inversions allow the bass line to move by step rather than leaping between root positions.

Examples

C major root position: C E G. C/E (first inversion): E G C. C/G (second inversion): G C E.

Assessment

Write C major triad in all three positions. Create a 4-chord progression using at least one inverted chord for smoother bass movement.