# Triads & inversions

Root, third, fifth on three neighbouring strings: three small grips per chord, one per bottom note.

## Lesson 1 · C major on G, B, e

Root position C E G (5 5 3) · first inversion E G C (9 8 8) · second inversion G C E (12 13 12).

## Lesson 2 · Minor — lower the third

A minor: 2 1 0 · 5 5 5 · 9 10 8. C minor = 5 4 3.

## Lesson 3 · The same chord on D, G, B

C major: 10 9 8 · 2 0 1 · 5 5 5.

## Lesson 4 · Voice leading I–IV–V–I

C (9 8 8) → F (10 10 8) → G (12 12 10) → C (12 13 12) — no note moves more than a whole step. See [Chords in a key](keys.md).

## Lesson 5 · Triads inside CAGED

| Grip | Frets (G B e) | Top of |
|---|---|---|
| Second inversion | 0 1 0 | Open C (C form) |
| Root position | 5 5 3 | A-form barre at fret 3 |
| First inversion | 9 8 8 | E-form barre at fret 8 |
| Second inversion | 12 13 12 | D form at fret 10 |

## Lesson 6 · Comp with them

Top-string triads over [Backing band](/tools/backing.html?you=guitar), one area of the neck; stabs on 2 and 4 lead to [Jazz](jazz.md).

## Ready when

- All three inversions of any major or minor triad on G B e.
- The same on D G B.
- Comp I–IV–V in two keys, no note moving more than a whole step.