This chord study makes use of the basic triads found in the Major Triads section of the Chordin' Basics page. The idea is to learn a few ways to get around a I-IV-V progression using the inversions that are found in the above area.

You'll notice that there is C6 chord in bar 8, which serves to connect the 2nd inversion and 1st inversion G chords. It is a passing chord and doesn't count as a change to a C.

Sixth chords will be discussed in this section at a later date.

Learn this chord movement as written, paying attention to what chord (letter name) and what inversion you are playing. Make sure you know that you are moving from a 1st inversion C major chord to a 2nd inversion chord of the same name (C major), for example. Notice how they lay on the fingerboard in relation to each other. Notice also how there is more than one place on the neck to play the same inversion: The first inversion G chord in bar 1 (2nd chord) played on the top 3 strings and the first inversion G chord at the end of bar 4, played on the 4th, 3rd and 2nd strings, are identical. Here they are:

Look for any other similarities between chords in the following study. Then try making up your own movement through the inversions in this and any other chord progression you might know.

You can hear what it sounds like in the accompanying audio file.