Triads and inversions

Root position chord: In a root position chord, the root is the lowest note played. For instance, a C major triad in root position will have an C as its lowest note. The other chord tones—the major third (an E note) and the fifth (a G note)—will sound above that low C. This is the most basic position. This example is in closed structure, meaning the notes are very close to each other.

Open structure has C still on the bottom but notice that the other notes are spaced out differently on the staff

This is when the third of the triad is the lowest note sounded

This is an example of open structure of a first inversion C chord

This position is when the fifth of the triad is the lowest tone sounded

Here is an example of an open structure of this position