Chords jumping all over the place? Use inversions

Chords that jump all over the keyboard sound disconnected. Use inversions: play the same notes in a different order, choosing the version where each note moves as little as possible to the next chord. It sounds like one band playing, not four separate chords.

How to do it

1. Play your first chord in root position.
2. For the next chord, find the inversion closest to where your fingers already are.
3. Keep notes the two chords share on the same key.
4. Move the other notes by the smallest steps.
5. Let the bass play the root, so the chords still sound right.

Why it works

Small steps between chords are easy for your ear to follow. This smooth movement, called voice leading, is how pianists and arrangers keep chords flowing.