Why Invert?


Why Invert?

"Why invert? I thought you'd never ask! There are many reasons. In common practice, chord progressions are not generally successions of root position chords moving one to another (except in heavy metal music, in which whole songs of only root position chords, are commonly the case). In most other types of music, progressions are made up of individual chord-tones moving independently from notes in one chord to notes in the next chord, creating melody lines, which are often called voices, because the resulting melodies could be sung or played by individual instruments. So, chord progressions (any series of chords) sound better with root position chords mixed with inverted chords, so various notes of one chord lead smoothly to notes in the next chord, with others perhaps not moving at all. This is called voice leading.
Another reason for inversion, especially important for string instruments, is to make the chord easier (or in many cases possible) to reach. Many chords- especially ones with four or more notes- are virtually unplayable in root position on instruments such as guitar and mandolin." -- Edly


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West Coast Urban Feel


I'd like to introduce you to my friend JP!

Jonathan Powell has played for and with everyone! Out here on the west coast, he's known for his uncanny ability to form two-hand chord voicings with his signature "slide techniques".

He's performed with a countless number of gospel artists, groups, choirs, producers, and more. He was highly sought after and practically recruited to come to Hear and Play Music in 2005 and has been a blessing to HearandPlay ever since.

He's the lead moderator of the HearandPlay Zone and also the head music consultant in the training department. When he's not helping thousands of musicians from the community, he's traveling around the world playing for various artists! He delivers fresh, practical, easy-to-understand techniques and principles to playing urban, west coast gospel music by ear!

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