Chord Inversion & Bass Melody

One way to expand the musical possibilities of a chord progression is to invert some of the chords along the way…

Doing so does at least two things: (1) It adds harmonic interest and (2) It creates smooth melodic movement in the bass line.

Let’s understand how the process works and enjoy its pleasing effect by using a familiar chord progression as an example.

First, without Inverting the Chords

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

Now with some Chords Inverted

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

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

learn more… Stationary Harmony, Moving Bass