Inverted triads

Inverted triads

By K Williams

Understanding Triad Inversions

Chord inversions are really easy to understand! Think of a triad – it has 3 notes. The bottom note is called the root note, the middle note is called the 3rd and the top note is called the 5th.

​Chord in root position

​1st Inversion

Now, we are going to move the root note to the top of the triad. The 3rd is now at the bottom of the triad.

Ist inversion chord

Now, we are going to move the 3rd to the top.The 5th is now at the bottom of the triad.

2nd Inversion

Remember that figured bass numbers represent intervals above the bass note within the key signature.

Figured Bass Inversion Symbols

​Figured Bass Symbols with Roman Numerals

​Usually when we play Fm the F will always be in the root, but every now and then we want to change that root note. For the first inversion we make the Ab the root or bass note and then the C and F follow. Notice that our intervals between the notes changed! Now if we play this chord one note at a time it will sound different and it is notated as F/Ab.

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Minor Triads - 1st inversion

​The second inversion will start from the last note C, giving us C F Ab. Depending on the music being composed a musician may want to use the same chord, but change the sound by playing the notes in different orders than the usual F in the bass.

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Minor triads - 2nd inversion

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Poll

Which symbol is the abbreviation for a 1st inversion triad?

• 6/4

• 6

• 5/3

Poll

Which symbol is the abbreviation for a 2nd inversion triad?

• 5/3

• 6

• 6/4

Multiple Choice

Select the correct name for the listed triad.

• B-major 6/4 triad

• B-major 6 triad

• D-sharp augmented 6 triad

• D-sharp major 6 triad

Multiple Choice

Select the correct name for the listed triad.

• F major 6 triad

• D-minor 6 triad

• D- minor 6/4 triad

• F major 6/4 triad

Multiple Choice

Select the correct name for the listed triad.

• C-sharp augmented 6 triad

• C-sharp diminished 6/4 triad

• E-minor 6/4 triad

• C-sharp diminished 6 triad