Seventh Chords in Inversion

Seventh Chords in Inversion

Chapter 8

Figured Bass Refresher

As we know, figured bass always tells you the intervals to "build up" from the bass. For our triads without seventh chords, the figured bass symbols are 53 for root position (usually we leave it blank), 63 for first inversion (usually 6), and 64 for second inversion. This means a root position triad will have a third and a fifth above the bass, a first inversion triad will have a sixth and a third above the bass, and a second inversion triad will have a sixth and a fourth above the bass.

Figured Bass in Seventh Chords

Seventh chords use different figured bass symbols. For seventh chords, we use 753 for root position (root is in the bass), 653 for first inversion (third is in the bass), and 643 for second inversion (fifth is in the bass). Because seventh chords have a fourth member of the chord, they have an extra possible inversion. If the seventh is in the bass, it is called third inversion. We use the figured bass symbols 642 to denote that.

Notice there is a seventh, fifth, and third above the bass. Hence, 753.

​​Root Position

Notice there is a sixth, fifth, and third above the bass. Hence, 653.

​​First Inversion

Notice there is a sixth, fourth, and third above the bass. Hence, 643.

​​Second Inversion

Notice there is a sixth, fourth, and second above the bass. Hence, 642.

​​Third Inversion

Fill in the Blank

What is the figured bass for a root position seventh chord?

Fill in the Blank

What is the figured bass for a first inversion seventh chord?

Fill in the Blank

What is the figured bass for a second inversion seventh chord?

Fill in the Blank

What is the figured bass for a third inversion seventh chord?

Let's Be "Efficient"

Wouldn't it be great if we stopped there?

Three whole numbers for every seventh chord seems like a lot of effort. That is why we as musicians like to be efficient (*cough* lazy) and shorten our seventh chord figured bass just like we do for triads. Root position is usually 7, first inversion is 65, second inversion is 43, and third inversion is 42.

An ​easy way to remember this is that the numbers go in decreasing order with one small hiccup when you hit third inversion: 7 65 43 42.

Notice there is still a seventh, fifth, and third above the bass.

​​Root Position

Notice there is still a sixth, fifth, and third above the bass.

​​First Inversion

Notice there is still a sixth, fourth, and third above the bass.

​​Second Inversion

Notice there is still a sixth, fourth, and second above the bass.

​​Third Inversion

Fill in the Blank

What figured bass do we normally write for a root position seventh chord?

Fill in the Blank

What figured bass do we normally write for a first inversion seventh chord?

Fill in the Blank

What figured bass do we normally write for a second inversion seventh chord?

Fill in the Blank

What figured bass do we normally write for a third inversion seventh chord?

If we have the example on the right and are asked to write the chord, our figured bass can help us. We know that the bass is C. We also know that 65 in the figured bass means this chord is in first inversion. Knowing that, we can approach this in two different ways.​

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Let's Practice

1. We can write C in our treble clef and add a third below it for the root as well as a third above it for the fifth and a third above that for the seventh.​

2. We can ​use the figured bass to add a sixth, fifth, and third (even though that three is invisible) above the bass.

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Let's Practice

No matter which method we use, we should create a chord that uses the notes A C E G. In other words, we will end up spelling an A minor seventh chord in first inversion.​

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Answer

Fill in the Blank

Using the figured bass symbols and the bass provided, what notes would the chord use? Format your answer in stacks of thirds like this: A C# E G

Fill in the Blank

Using the figured bass symbols and the bass provided, what notes would the chord use? Format your answer in stacks of thirds like this: A C# E G

Fill in the Blank

Using the figured bass symbols and the bass provided, what notes would the chord use? Format your answer in stacks of thirds like this: A C# E G

Fill in the Blank

Using the figured bass symbols and the bass provided, what notes would the chord use? Format your answer in stacks of thirds like this: A C# E G

Open Ended

What questions do you have about seven chords in inversion and figured bass?