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http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=647
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Yes, it helps to know the note names and what notes make up each chord as well.
When I was first introduced to inversions, I was more invested in memorizing the shapes and it really opened up my playing (and still does.) With time, I began to memorize the notes on the neck much better and more inversions were to follow.
Knowledge of inversions really, really betters your playing and helps you sound much more mature on the instrument. You can't go wrong continuing to work through your inversions.
Douglas Showalter
