4.5Why inversions matter

Now play:

C → Am → F → G

in root position:

C–E–G

A–C–E

F–A–C

G–B–D

Your hand keeps relocating.

Now try this:

C: C–E–G

Am: C–E–A

F: C–F–A

G: B–D–G

Much less movement.

The progression is still:

C → Am → F → G

But the individual notes connect more smoothly.

That is voice leading.