Inversions

Today on a "yeah, I know, I missed last week" @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we continue our discussion on "What to Practice". This week, inversions. Ok, before we get started, some background. In Western diatonic harmony (what we do), a chord is defined by its content not by note order. That is, a C chord is a C, an E and a G...in any combination or the spacing between them. U dig? The spacing between the notes, or voicing, DOES change the texture and overall sound of the chord, but not the identity. That is a topic for another day. Now, we get to order.  Inversions are defined by which chord tone is in the bass (the order of the other tones does not affect this, but that can alter the overall sound, i.e. voicing). So, a chord with the root in the bass is called root position...3rd in the bass is the 1st inversion..5th in the bass, 2nd inversion..7th in the bass, 3rd inversion, etc. You can see how these can radically enhance the movement of a progression's lower voice (i.e.bassline). There is a tradeoff however. Chords not in the root position are harmonically weaker and, as such can cause issues with the "clarity" of harmonic movement. The key is to get familiar with each inversion and how they sound to better apply them.  So, as always...how? Take a chord progression...anything. Use a play-along, DAW or bribe a friend or bandmate. Start by playing roots only against the chords. Get the sound in your head. Next, decide where any inversion(s) can be applied and play the prigression again. Do you like it? Is the change something that benefits the song? Try different scenarios. For example, sometimes adding inversions once or twice in a song or section can add interest. As I have said many times, the more u know and understand, the more you bring to the table as a player/artist/composer. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #basslessons #remotelessons