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C Major: Chord Inversions
In root position, the interval from the root to the top note (C – G) is a perfect fifth, which is consonant. (This is called the outer interval.) See Figure 41.
FIGURE 41: Intervals—C Major Scale
The chord C major in first inversion (E, G, C) consists of a minor third (E – G) with a perfect fourth stacked on top (G – C). Two consonant internal intervals. The outer interval (E – C) is a minor sixth, also consonant.
The chord C major in second inversion (G, C, E) consists of a perfect fourth (G – C) with a major third stacked on top (C – E). Two consonant internal intervals. The outer interval (G – E) is a major sixth, also consonant
Everywhere you look, nothing but consonant intervals. So why the heck don’t the first and second inversions sound balanced and “consonant,” like the chord in root position?