How Inversions and Slash Chords Create Better Progressions
Part of the series New To Music Theory? Start Here!
View All 16 min Intermediate Part of a series Feb 1, 2020
Inverted chords are extremely useful. Working with inversions allows us to create better sounding progressions, since the bass is no longer stuck jumping in parallel with the chord.
What You'll Learn
- The basic music theory of chords in first and second inversion
- Understanding 6/3 and 6/4 chord notation
- How to read and write slash chord notation
- 4 full examples of how inversions improve your progressions
Why Inversions Matter
When you only use root position chords, your bass line is forced to jump around following the chord roots. Inversions give you the freedom to create smooth, stepwise bass lines while still playing the chords you want — making your progressions sound more professional and cohesive.
For more on creating smooth chord movements, check out the Voice Leading lesson, or dive deep into Chapter 7: Chord Inversions in the Chord Progression Codex.