- (1) In string playing, the term indicates where on the fingerboard the left hand should be in order to play a passage; (2) In trombone playing, the term indicates how far the slide should be pushed out; (3) In harmony, the term describes the layout of a chord. Here are the common positions of the chord with C major as an example, using the notes C E and G. In root position, the chord of C is played with C (the root of the chord) at the bottom. Infirst inversion, the chord is played with E at the bottom. In second inversion the chord is played with G at the bottom. Therefore, the note at the bottom of the chord determines these positions.?