Using Chord Inversions for Guitar Recordings

I like to implement guitar chord inversions when it comes to recording chord parts for the guitar. It’s a subtle technique that makes a massive difference in the final mix.

Specifically, I use this approach when I have one guitar—or multiple guitars—playing a standard version of a chord, and I pan that track to the left in a recording. However, I want the mix to sound more interesting. To achieve this, I take the other recording that I pan to the right for the guitar playing, and I change the voicing.

The Theory Behind the Sound

To understand why this works, we have to look at how chords are constructed. Fundamental chords are built using the 1, 3, and 5 intervals of a scale. A lot of times, when we start learning guitar, we start them in that specific order, right? We stack them from low to high: 1, 3, 5. This is what we call the root position.

However, to get that wide, professional stereo sound, we need to manipulate that order using inversions.

Breaking Down First and Second Inversions

So, how do we change the “shape” of the sound without changing the chord itself? We move the bass note.

First Inversion

You can put the third of the scale in the lower string (the bass position). That’s called a first inversion. Instead of the root note being at the bottom, the third takes the lead in the low end.

Second Inversion

Alternatively, you could put a fifth in the lower string. That’s called a second inversion.

Why This Matters for Your Mix

The beauty of this technique is that it is the same chord and the same notes. You aren’t clashing with the other guitar track panned to the left.

Stacking the intervals sounds so much better and different. It creates a lush, wide stereo image that simple double-tracking can’t always achieve on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How are basic chords usually built?
  • Chords are built using the 1, 3, and 5 intervals, typically stacked low to high in that order when we first start learning.
• What is a first inversion?
  • A first inversion is when you put the third interval in the lower string (bass position).
• What is a second inversion?
  • A second inversion is when you put the fifth interval in the lower string.
• Why use inversions in recording?
  • It allows you to pan one version to the left and a different inversion to the right, making the recording sound more interesting while using the same notes.