A narrow chain with alternating inside link positions in a 3×1 lacing arrangement provides improved noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) characteristics relative to conventional narrow-laced chains in an oil pump drive application. The two inside links are offset with respect to each other, with one of the two being aligned with the two guide plates in the guide row. The chain design is preferably used as an oil pump drive chain or in other auxiliary drive applications.