Explain the concept of first inversion in relation to seventh chords.

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Explain the concept of first inversion in relation to seventh chords.

In music theory, a seventh chord is a chord consisting of four notes: a root, a third, a fifth, and a seventh. The concept of inversion refers to rearranging the order of these notes within the chord.

First inversion, specifically in relation to seventh chords, occurs when the third of the chord is moved up an octave, creating an interval of a sixth between the lowest and highest notes of the chord. This means that the third of the chord becomes the bass note or the lowest note in the chord.

To illustrate this concept, let's take a C major seventh chord as an example. The C major seventh chord consists of the notes C, E, G, and B. In its root position, the C major seventh chord is arranged as follows: C (root), E (third), G (fifth), and B (seventh).

To create the first inversion of the C major seventh chord, we move the third of the chord, which is E, up an octave. The resulting chord would be arranged as follows: E (root), G (third), B (fifth), and C (seventh). Notice that the third of the chord, E, is now the lowest note or the bass note of the chord.

In terms of chord symbols, the first inversion of a C major seventh chord would be notated as Cmaj7/E, indicating that the chord is a C major seventh chord with E as the bass note.

First inversions can also be applied to other types of seventh chords, such as dominant seventh chords, minor seventh chords, and diminished seventh chords. The process remains the same - the third of the chord is moved up an octave to become the bass note.

In summary, the concept of first inversion in relation to seventh chords involves rearranging the order of the notes within the chord so that the third of the chord becomes the bass note. This creates a different voicing and can add variety and interest to chord progressions in music.