Triads & Inversions
A triad is the simplest complete chord — just three notes: a root, a 3rd, and a 5th. Rearrange which note sits in the bass and you get an inversion: the same chord, a new voicing and a smoother way to move between chords. These compact three-string shapes are the backbone of fluid chord playing.
The Core Idea
Stack three notes a 3rd apart and you have a triad. The quality (major, minor, diminished, augmented) is decided entirely by the size of the two 3rds you stack. An inversion simply changes which of those three notes is lowest — the chord keeps its identity, but the bass moves and the voicing climbs the neck.
Bass = Root. The root is the lowest note. The most stable, "home" sound.
Bass = 3rd. The 3rd is in the bass. Lighter and more mobile — common in smooth bass lines.
Bass = 5th. The 5th is in the bass. Suspended, leaning — often a passing or cadential chord.
Triad & Inversion Explorer
Root note
Quality
Bright and resolved — the major 3rd is what makes it sound happy.
The same three notes, voiced three ways on the top strings (high e, B, G). Lowest note shown in the bass:
Root Position
Bass note: Root
The root is the lowest note. The most stable, "home" sound.
1st Inversion
Bass note: 3rd
The 3rd is in the bass. Lighter and more mobile — common in smooth bass lines.
2nd Inversion
Bass note: 5th
The 5th is in the bass. Suspended, leaning — often a passing or cadential chord.
All Four Triad Qualities
| Quality | Formula (semitones) | Stacked 3rds |
|---|---|---|
| Major (maj) | 0 – 4 – 7 | major 3rd + minor 3rd |
| Minor m | 0 – 3 – 7 | minor 3rd + major 3rd |
| Diminished ° | 0 – 3 – 6 | minor 3rd + minor 3rd |
| Augmented + | 0 – 4 – 8 | major 3rd + major 3rd |
Click any row to load that quality above.
Why Inversions Matter
Choosing an inversion that shares notes with the next chord means your fingers barely move — the hallmark of professional chord playing.
Inversions let you write a walking or descending bass under static harmony — e.g. C → C/B → C/A — without changing the chord.
Triad shapes on the top three strings cut through a mix and unlock the upper register — essential for funk, R&B and lead-style comping.
A chord written as C/E means a C major triad with E (the 3rd) in the bass — that's first inversion. C/G puts the 5th in the bass — second inversion.
Build and hear full voicings
See every inversion and voicing across all six strings in the Chord Visualizer, or learn how triads extend into 7th chords.