Triads on 3-String Sets

Triads on 3-String Sets

C Major Triads on Strings 1–3

2nd Inversion

EADGBE×××1
Root Position

3th
EADGBE×××341
1st Inversion

8th
EADGBE×××211

C Major Triads on Strings 1–3: Fretboard Map

Root (1)
Major 3rd (3)
Perfect 5th (5)
0123456789EBGDAE

Inversion Movement Pattern

Bass note movement between inversions (lowest string in each chord)

Root → 1st Inversion
+4
frets (4 half steps)
1st → 2nd Inversion
+3
frets (3 half steps)
2nd → Root Position
+5
frets (5 half steps)
Complete Cycle
12 frets = 1 octave
4 + 3 + 5 = 12
📝 Note about shape order: If you're looking at the chord or fretboard diagrams wondering why the shapes seem out of order, remember that we're using frets 0-12 as much as possible. The pattern naturally repeats: root position → 1st inversion → 2nd inversion → root position → 1st inversion → 2nd inversion, etc. Some diagrams may not start with root position—it depends on which notes are available in that fret range.

💡 Want to see full 6-string fretboard diagrams? Check out the Scale Explorer tool which shows triads across all strings and positions.