MacJams.com - Song: Using Chord Inversions by chikoppi

Using Chord Inversions
by chikoppi

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Submitted on: Aug 23, 2007 - 04:59:41 PM
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Keywords tutorial (2), chord inversion (1)

Description In a forum thread we were discussing the difficulties of learning music theory and how to apply it to writing songs. I for one would like to see more discussion and sharing of musical skills at MacJams so that we can all become better at song craft.

In an effort to take the bull by the horns I've prepared this little primer on chord inversions and how they can be used in song writing. I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO CONSIDER ADDING THEIR OWN ENTRIES ABOUT SONGWRITING AND MUSIC THEORY. If we begin sharing ideas about the art of music theory we'll soon have a collection that will help us all write better music.

In the audio example I begin with a chord:

G Major: G B D

The notes of the chord are listed from lowest (G) to highest (D). By changing the order of the notes by raising the lowest to the top we then have a 1st inversion of the G Major chord:

G Major (1st inversion): B D G

By once raising the lowest note to the highest position once again we create the 2nd inversion of the G Major chord:

G Major (2nd inversion): D G B

In the audio example I then demonstrate how chord inversions can be used to add color to a chord progression by changing the melody of the bass line.

I begin with the chord progression:

C Major: C E G
E minor: E G B
D minor: D F A
G Major: G B D
C Major: C E G

With no chord inversions, the bass melody is:

Chord Progression: C Em Dm G C
Bass Melody: C E D G C

By using the 1st inversion of the D minor chord we keep the same chord progression but change the melody of the bass line:

Chord Progression: C Em Dm G C
D minor (1st inversion): F A D
Bass Melody: C E F G C

To push things further and create a decending bass melody further chord inversions can be employed:

Chord Progression: C Em Dm G C
C Major (2nd inversion): G C E
E minor (1st inversion): G B E
D minor (1st inversion): F A D
G Major (ist inversion): B D G
Bass Melody: G G F B C

I hope someone finds this useful!

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	michael2 said 455 days ago
	sweet i don't have the time to listen to the whole thing, but this is awesome. i downloaded it for future consumption. i try to mix things up, but i am not musically astute at all. this is a great idea. thanks for posting this.

	bonnieprincejohnny said 455 days ago
	Very good. I think that perhaps it might be a sound idea to revisit this and sing what you are attempting to convey. Then you could stick a beat on and - eh voila... a hit! Be lucky.

	mikey_d said 455 days ago
	Why yes! Very nice instructional piece. I'm at a point in my piano lessons that I know exactly what you are talking about here. Nicely done. Thanks!

	dolby said 455 days ago
	Thanks Can't believe haw quick you guys work! This is very, very useful. Great work. As I mentioned on Vics post I hope this can really take off on MJ's as I think many people will benefit. And now I know it's chYkoppi and not chikoppi. Which deserves further thanks:-)) Phil

	dolby said 455 days ago
	Which of course.... ....is the first thing it says at the top of your home page.....doh! P :-)) --- Same Same, But Different

	ceilidh said 454 days ago
	great! don't have my guitar with me here in houston, but going to check everything i learned today, when i get back home :) great idea chikoppi, highly appreciated! thanks million paja

	bud said 449 days ago
	Thanks Brian I've learned more theory in the last few minutes than I have in the last 40 years since I sat on my clarinet and traded the broken bits for an electric guitar.

	Lennon714 said 238 days ago
	Wow! I played trumpet for 5 years and I don't remember ANY theory. Self-taught ever since so there's no real science to what I do. This lesson was invaluable! Thank you for doing this. I wish I knew enough to contribute instead of just sponging!

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