Hey Friend,

Things seem to be getting back on-track after the whole well-pump breakdown. I was able to get back to my projects and even had some presence of mind to play a little guitar. That soothed the soul a bit...

Getting back to the discussion about Second inversions versus Root inversions, I thought I'd give you some examples to drive the point home.

The majority of the open chords we use have a note order that makes them Second inversions. That means the notes aren't played in alphabetic order, but are "inverted." For example, playing an E major chord uses the notes E, G# and B (1 3 5), but when you look at the usual chord shape, the note order isn't 1, 3, 5 - it's 5, 1, 3, or B E G#. 

I tabbed out the three most common open chords that use a Second inversion chord shape. Then I added the same chords using the Root inversion. Exercise files.

As you can see from the exercise, the A and E chords are no big deal to use a Root inversion form. But then look at the D chord. Imagine trying to regularly change chords from the D root inversion.

Now you're probably wondering why we don't use those simpler Root inversion forms of A and E major more often.

For one, we've gotten very used to the Second inversion form. Our ears just like them. Secondly, using the Second inversion form gives each chord a fuller sound - you can strum over more strings and double up on some of the notes. 

That's why we use different inversions. They give us more options to play and move around the neck. They also help us fill out the sound of the chord. 

It can also make things easier if you're a finger style player. Using different inversion of the chords frees up strings in some cases so you can create more melodic finger picking runs. 

Take a look at the exercises and play through the chord changes just to see the difference in Root versus Second inversion forms. These aren't the only ones available to you, but you're getting a little taste nonetheless.

As I mentioned before, the basic power chord forms are Second inversions. They take after the E and A major chords. When you include a root note on the sixth or fifth strings respectively, you have your power chord. 

Again, not the only shape you can use for power chords, but most of the time, simple is best. You can see all the power chord shapes in Easy Power Chords. Check it out today!

Peace~

Dave