Chord Inversion Tool

Explore every inversion of any chord with interactive piano keyboards, audio playback, slash chord notation, note frequencies, and voice leading suggestions. Select a root note and chord type to see all inversions side by side. All processing runs locally in your browser.

Root Note

Chord Type

C Major

C - E - G

1 - 3 - 5

Voice Leading Tips

Select a chord to see voice leading suggestions between inversions.

1-4 Play Inversion A Play All ←→ Change Root

How to Use the Chord Inversion Tool

Select Root Note and Chord Type

Choose a root note from C through B (including sharps and flats) and select from 16 chord types including major, minor, 7th chords, suspended, augmented, diminished, and more. The tool instantly calculates all possible inversions.
Explore Each Inversion

View inversion cards displayed side by side. Each card shows the inversion name, slash chord notation (e.g., C/E), notes in order from bottom to top, a piano keyboard with highlighted keys, frequencies, and intervals from the bass note.
Listen and Compare

Click the play button on any inversion card to hear the chord voicing. Use "Play All Inversions" to hear them sequentially and compare how each sounds. Read voice leading tips below the cards to understand when each inversion is most useful in a musical context.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chord inversion?

A chord inversion occurs when a note other than the root is the lowest (bass) note. In root position, the root is in the bass. In 1st inversion, the 3rd is in the bass. In 2nd inversion, the 5th is in the bass. For 7th chords, a 3rd inversion places the 7th in the bass.

What is slash chord notation?

Slash chord notation writes the chord name followed by the bass note after a slash. For example, C/E means a C major chord with E in the bass (1st inversion). This notation tells musicians which note should be the lowest sounding pitch.

How many inversions does a chord have?

A chord has one fewer inversion than it has notes. Triads (3 notes) have 2 inversions plus root position. Seventh chords (4 notes) have 3 inversions plus root position. This tool automatically shows all available inversions for the selected chord type.

Why are inversions important in music?

Inversions create smoother voice leading between chords, reducing the distance each voice must travel. They add variety to harmonic textures, create more interesting bass lines, and help avoid parallel motion. Inversions are essential in classical counterpoint, jazz voicings, and pop arrangements.

What chord types are supported?

This tool supports 16 chord types: Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented, Dominant 7th, Major 7th, Minor 7th, Diminished 7th, Half-Diminished 7th, Sus2, Sus4, Augmented 7th, Minor-Major 7th, 6th, Minor 6th, and Add9. Each type shows all possible inversions with full details.

How is the frequency of each note calculated?

Note frequencies are calculated using equal temperament tuning with A4 = 440 Hz as the reference pitch. Each semitone is a ratio of the twelfth root of 2 (approximately 1.05946). The formula is: frequency = 440 × 2^((MIDI - 69) / 12).

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