What is a chord inversion?

A chord inversion occurs when a note other than the root is placed in the lowest (bass) position. Root position has the root on the bottom. First inversion puts the 3rd in the bass, second inversion puts the 5th in the bass, and (for 7th chords) third inversion puts the 7th in the bass.

What do the figured bass symbols mean?

Figured bass numbers describe the intervals above the bass note. Root position triads are unmarked (or "5/3"). First inversion is marked "6" (6/3 abbreviated). Second inversion is "6/4". For 7th chords: root = "7", first inversion = "6/5", second inversion = "4/3", third inversion = "4/2" or "2".

Does an inversion change which chord it is?

No. An inverted chord still contains the same notes and has the same name — only the bass note changes. However, inversions affect the chord's stability and how it leads to the next chord (voice leading).

How many inversions does a triad have?

A triad (3-note chord) has three positions: root position, first inversion (3rd in bass), and second inversion (5th in bass). A seventh chord (4-note chord) has four positions, adding a third inversion with the 7th in the bass.

Why does second inversion feel less stable?

Second inversion (6/4) places the 5th in the bass, which creates a dissonance between the bass and the 4th above it. This makes it feel unresolved and it often resolves to root position — a pattern common in cadences (e.g., the "cadential 6/4").

Chord Inversion Finder

Select a root note and chord type to instantly see root position plus all inversions with their bass notes and interval stacks.

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Root Note

Chord Quality

Chord Notes

C Major

All Inversions

4 positions

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Summary

The Chord Inversion Finder shows every inversion of a chord in seconds. Select any root note and chord quality, and the tool displays root position alongside all inversions — each with its bass note, note stack, figured bass symbol, and a mini piano diagram. Use it to explore voice leading, study music theory, or find the smoothest voicing for your arrangement.

How it works

Select a root note from the chromatic scale (C through B, including sharps).
Choose a chord quality such as major, minor, dominant 7th, or diminished.
The tool calculates root position and all possible inversions for that chord.
Each inversion card shows the bass note, the full note stack from bottom to top, and the figured bass symbol.
A mini piano keyboard highlights the notes for each inversion so you can visualize the voicing.
Copy any inversion's note list to use in your composition or practice session.

Use cases

Understand how chord inversions change the sound and feel of a progression.
Find the correct figured bass notation (6, 6/4, 6/5) for music theory assignments.
Explore alternative voicings when arranging for piano or keyboard.
Identify which inversion produces the smoothest voice leading between two chords.
Teach students the difference between root position and inverted chords visually.
Quickly reference all inversion options during a jazz or classical composition session.
Cross-reference bass notes when transcribing a chord chart.
Study how placing a chord tone in the bass changes the chord's function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu