# Inversions and slash chords

*Module 7 · Lesson 6: Triads and arpeggios · BazzLow*

> Know what an inversion is and read slash chords.

Before this lesson: [7.5 Triad shapes on the bass](https://bazzlow.com/en/triads-and-arpeggios/triad-shapes/)

The same chord can sound different depending on which of its notes is lowest. On a bass, that choice is yours.

## Positions of a chord

A chord’s **bass note**, its lowest note, decides its position:

- **root position**: the root in the bass (C with C below);
- **1st inversion**: the 3rd in the bass (C with E below);
- **2nd inversion**: the 5th in the bass (C with G below).

A chord with *n* notes has *n* − 1 inversions. Seventh chords (Module 10) also have a 3rd inversion, with the 7th in the bass. In a band, **the bass player decides the inversion**: whatever the guitar plays, the chord’s position is set by the lowest note, which is usually the bass.

> **Diagram:** C in root position: C is the lowest note (A string, fret 3), then E and G on the D string.

> **Diagram:** C in 1st inversion: E is the lowest note (open E string), then C and G.

> **Diagram:** C in 2nd inversion: G is the lowest note (E string, fret 3), then C and E.

## Slash chords

**Slash chords** tell the bassist which note to play: chord / bass note. C/E is C major with E in the bass, a 1st inversion; C/G is a 2nd inversion. The bass note can also be outside the chord: C/D, F/G, D/C. These are still slash chords, but not inversions.

## Smooth bass lines

Inversions make smooth bass lines: C – C/B – Am – Am/G – F walks down by step instead of jumping.

> **Diagram:** The descending bass line C – B – A – G – F, the roots and bass notes of C – C/B – Am – Am/G – F: A string frets 3, 2, 0, then E string frets 3, 1.

## Try it

Play the line above one note per bar while saying the chord symbol. Then play C – G/B – Am and hear the stepwise bass.

## New terms

- inversion
- root position
- first inversion
- second inversion
- slash chord
- bass note

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/triads-and-arpeggios/inversions-and-slash-chords/