This lesson will help you understand how to
get different voicings out of three note major chords.
A major chord is made up of three notes:
1 3 5 of the major scale or Do Mi So.
Here is your basic chord A Major.
A Major Chord
The notes in the Chord are.
A = Do = 1
C# = Mi = 3
E = So = 5
In the standard Open form the notes are arranged:
1 5 1 3 5
A E A C# E
What is an inversion?
An Inversion is a chord played in forms where the Root note (The 1 or Do) is not the
lowest note.
So the possibilities are the 3 or 5 is the lowest note.
Using the A major Chord above a simple way to play an inversion is to
NOT play the A string.
Thus creating a chord of 5 1 3 5.
D string 2nd fret = E = 5
G string 2nd Fret = A = 1
B string 2nd Fret = C# = 3
E string Open = E = 5
The difference is subtle but sometimes that is the
key to finding the correct sound.
A great resource for learning how chords and scales work together is the Ultimate Fretbaord Guide:
Click here to Learn your Fretboard
Next week I will go into more inversions using the C Major Chord.
