Inversions

Chord inversions are different ways of playing the same chord on a different part of the ukulele. Think of them as different voicings.

Here's a great 6+ min. explanation of inversions and the moveable chord shapes which I get into in Uke 202.

When do you use chord inversions?

  1. You find an easier chord to transition to from the one prior. Allowing you to more effortlessly play a song.
  2. The chord sounds better in a different octave. Each inversion of a chord will sound different.
  3. You are bored playing the same version of the chord you've always played! When you play an inversion, the chord usually sounds different.

The lesson

To do the exercise, you'll need to print the PDF and grab a highlighter (or crayon).

Download the Fretboard PDF here

The Inversion Lesson (Homework)

  1. Write out at least 3 inversions for a chord in a song you want to play on the fretboard diagram. Need a suggestion? Try Pina Colada - D & A or What I Got - D & C.
  2. Play the song and substitute one of the chord inversions.
  3. Play the song again and try a different inversion for a different chord

C

The notes in the C chord are: C, E, G

D

The notes in the D chord are: D, F#, A

E

The notes in the E chord are: E, G#, B

F

The notes in the F chord are: F, A, C

G

The notes in the G chord are: G, B, D

A

The notes in the A chord are: A, C#, E

B

The notes in the B chord are: B, D#, F#

Players will often refer to inversions as movable chords. Movable chords are inversions, just using familiar patterns. Here is a great video to demonstrate the movable chord patterns (aka inversions) on the ukulele!

Further Reading