Ep028 - Inversions: The Chord Trick You’re Not Using

GTRNRD: Music and Gear Tips for Guitar and Bass Players

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the often overlooked yet powerful concepts of chord inversions and voice leading. These techniques can transform your music by creating smooth transitions and adding depth to your chord progressions. Andy explains how using chord inversions can make your music sound more cohesive and expressive, turning a simple collection of chords into a compelling musical journey. Andy breaks down the basics of chord inversions, using the example of a C Major chord and its inversions to illustrate how rearranging notes can change the chord's feel and function. He emphasizes the importance of voice leading, which involves choosing chord inversions that allow for minimal movement between notes, creating a seamless flow in your music. Throughout the episode, Andy demonstrates these concepts on the guitar, showing how they can be applied to common chord progressions like G, C, and D. He also highlights the relevance of these techniques for bass players, explaining how voice leading can enhance bass lines by creating a melodic and cohesive sound. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with chord inversions and voice leading in their own playing, and to listen to their favorite songs to identify how these techniques are used by great rhythm players. By incorporating these tools, musicians can elevate their music, making it more polished and engaging. Tune in next week for part two of the series on Walking Bass Lines. Until then, embrace your inner GTRNRD and explore the transformative power of chord inversions and voice leading in your music.