Beginners Piano -- Video 4

Chord Inversions

Now we're going to learn about chord inversions. This involves playing a triad with a different note at the bottom. For example, the C major triad usually has the C at the bottom, E and then G. When we play it as E, G, C this is the 1st inversion. G, C, E is the 2nd inversion.

Every triad that you learn can be inverted in this way and the inversions have their own distinct sounds. In this lesson, Will shows us how the 1st inversions of chords is used in the classic soul song, Lean On Me. We also get a little lesson on syncopated rhythms.