Chord Progressions: Chord Inversion & Bass Melody

music notation showing a chord progression without and with voice leading

One way to expand the musical possibilities of a chord progression is to invert some of the chords in order to create both harmonic interest and melodic movement in the bass line…

Enjoy a famous example, first, without chord inversion (all chords in root position)…

piano-ology-chord-progressions-chord-inversion-bass-melody-example-without-inversion


Now with some chords inverted, creating a linear bass line that descends smoothly and melodically through the changes…

piano-ology-chord-progressions-chord-inversion-bass-melody-example-with-inversion

BTW, do these changes sound familiar? If they ring a bell, please comment below!


learn more… Stationary Harmony, Moving Bass

2 thoughts on “Chord Progressions: Chord Inversion & Bass Melody

Leave a Reply