A chord in music is a combination of notes played simultaneously, usually three or four. They are typically identified by their "root" note such as "C Major" which has a root note of C and in the [[Musical Scale]] of C Major. Major chords follow the pattern of: root - 4-semitones, 3-semitones. Minor chords follow the pattern of: root - 3-semitones, 4-semitones. Diminished chords are rare and follow the pattern of: root - 3-semitones, 3-semitones. In general: I, III, V and optionally a VII (called a "7th") note in the scale using the [[Nashville Number System]]. # Inversion An inverted chord is a chord where you move the keys played such that the root note is no longer the lowest. It's often better to find chord progressions that keep the notes closer together (smaller movements). Inversions help keep the range of a particular instrument confined (so it doesn't encroach on the range of another) and can subtly change the "flavor."