Member Library • Chord Reference

All Minor Chords With Inversions

Minor triads use only three notes, but those notes can be arranged in three different positions. Learning root position, first inversion and second inversion gives you more freedom around the keyboard and helps your chord changes sound smoother and more connected.

12 Minor Keys Root Position 1st Inversion 2nd Inversion
Minor Chord Training

D Minor Triad

Dm
How to use this page: Choose a minor key, watch the lesson, then play that chord in root position, 1st inversion and 2nd inversion several times. The goal is to see them as three versions of the same chord — not three unrelated shapes.
Choose a Minor Key Click any key to load its lesson.

How Minor Inversions Work

Just like a major chord, you keep the exact same three notes and simply rearrange them. Here's A minor as an easy example.

Position 1

Root Position

A • C • E

Position 2

1st Inversion

C • E • A

Position 3

2nd Inversion

E • A • C

Same trick every time: begin with root position. Move the bottom note to the top and you have 1st inversion. Move the new bottom note to the top and you have 2nd inversion. Do it once more and you're back where you started.

Stay Close to the Next Chord

Pick the inversion that requires the least movement and your progressions immediately begin to feel smoother.

Create Better Voice Leading

Instead of every note jumping at once, individual notes can move naturally from one chord into the next.

Break Out of Root Position

Knowing inversions keeps you from playing every chord in the exact same basic shape at the bottom of the keyboard.