A first inversion example is a chord where the note that's normally the root (the "name" of the chord) is moved to the top, making the third of the chord the lowest note.
Here's a breakdown with the C major chord as an example:
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Root Position: The C major chord in root position is C - E - G. The C is the lowest note (the root).
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First Inversion: To create the first inversion, we take the C (the root) and move it to the top of the chord. This results in E - G - C. Now, the E (the third of the chord) is the lowest note.
Therefore, a first inversion example of a C major chord is E - G - C.
Let's illustrate this in a table:
| Chord | Root Position | First Inversion |
|---|---|---|
| C Major | C - E - G | E - G - C |
| D Major | D - F# - A | F# - A - D |
| G Major | G - B - D | B - D - G |
The reference provides a similar explanation, stating that you move the bottom keynote of the chord to the top. This is precisely what's happening in a first inversion. The slightly higher tune it mentions refers to the overall sonic texture created by the different arrangement of the notes.
