In this lesson we'll transfer what we know about triad inversions onto strings 2, 3, and 4. We'll do this with a simple A Major triad. We'll also introduce three important terms that tell you what to call each inversions: root position, first inversion, and second inversion.

Root Position is just that. The root of the chord (in this case, an "A") is the lowest sounding of the three notes played. In First Inversion, the 3rd of the chord (in this case, a "C#") is the lowest sounding of the three notes. In Second Inversion, the 5th of the chord (in this case, an "E") is the lowest sounding of the three notes. This can be a little deceptive because I play our example and include the open A string with each inversion. Technically, this puts every inversion in root position, but we refer to the chord shapes we are fingering using the terms above.

Good luck and have fun!