I just came across this site called Chordinversion.com that provides you with inversions of chords to compliment the main one that you are playing in a certain song or just for jammin’.
It’s very simple to use and gives you a general overview on how to play your favorite chord in a very unique position on your fretboard. It will make your favorite chord or song a little more exciting trust me.
While figuring out cover songs or working on chord progressions, I’ve always tried playing chords that are normally played at the top of the guitar (or first position) in different locations of the fretboard. These new chord breaths new life into the chord or song. The new chords that I am searching for are known as inversions.
First, I take apart the chord that I am using one note at a time. I then try to figure out where else can I play this one single note at a time in the old chord, in another position. I take that one note and find it an active above it and remember where it is on the fretboard. I then repeat this process to all the other notes in that chord. This is the easiest way to find out another way or inversion to play this chord that I want to use.
Doing so I am finding not only a different way to play the chord but also discovering a more colourful way to play it. I am always striving to find a chord that sounds a little bit more distinctive then the original one. Some of the newer inversions of chords that I have found over the years have produced either more warmer, or sonically different tone to them with overtones that can bring some new perspective to an old chord/song.
Most listeners will be aware of this change. The song that you will be performing will sound the same but you are creating a different way of digesting a song. This new inversion of a familiar chord in a song will make them sit back and take notice of how you play a certain song. It almost forces them to become more aware of what you are playing in front of them while your playing live at a show or just in front of friends.
I’m sure that there are tons of other sites out there more graphic or appealing then Chordinversion.com. If you know of any can you put your two cents worth in here to help others find the best site to meet their chord inversion needs?
Keep on Jammin’
That’s a great resource, thanks. Chord inversions are a great way to spice up a dull sounding chord progression. Beginners should definitely have a go swapping a few chords with some inversions. Unlike piano, inversions aren’t as straight forward on guitar so many beginners don’t bother learning them. If you ever hear a chord progression on a piano then play the same chords on guitar and wonder why the piano part sounded better, it is most likely that the piano player is using inversions while the guitar player is sticking to the standard chord shapes. I just thought I’d add my thoughts for anybody out there unsure on the use of inversions.
Hey Aaron your correct when you say that beginners should try different inversions of chords to spice up their sound! I find that most guitarists out there are not that driven to explore this route.
As I’ve said before, it makes the audience take notice of the subtle changes to the song. It makes for a more challenging listening.
I look forward to more of your comments!
Nice, thanks for the resource. While I’m not the biggest guitar or piano player, I do use a lot of these as instruments when it comes to creating some of my best techno remixes.
Interesting Jackson. So do you use these instruments at all when you records your re-mixes? If you do use them even sparingly, are you using basic chords in them?
Have you ever tried using more complex chords in your tunes? It just might make you own style stand out from the rest. That’s what we’re all looking for when we watch people’s response to our art.
That’s a very helpful site, Chris, thanks. A band I’m in has recently started covering Autumn Leaves, an old jazz standard, and we were having some difficulty getting the voicings out of it that we wanted. Sites like chordinversion.com are great tools for introducing some nuance to arrangements; they help jazz it up, if you will.
Are there any other similar sites you could direct me to?
That is the only one that I have found on line so far Evan. If you come across another similar and useful site, then please drop us a link! Thanx my friend.
Thanks for pointing out this site. It is a great resource for guitar players who are quickly trying to find new chord inversions to play. Definitely useful for players who are trying to become a bit more advanced.
Hey no problem Calvin that’s what I’m here for. If you lived near me I’d be happy to show you a lot more buddy!
Thanx for the comment man!