Question

Identifying Triad Root, Quality, and Inversion

In the top row of blanks, identify the chord root and quality (e.g., D or d). In the second row, indicate the position or inversion (root, 1st, or 2nd).

Answer 1

To identify the root and quality of a chord, look at the bottom note and the interval between the bottom and top notes. To identify the inversion, determine the order of the notes from bottom to top.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify the chord root and quality, look at the bottom note of the chord. For example, if the bottom note is a C, the root is C. To determine the quality, look at the interval between the bottom note and the top note. For example, if the interval is a major third, the quality is major (M).

To identify the position or inversion of the chord, look at the order of the notes from bottom to top. If the root is the lowest note, it's in root position. If the third (or middle note) is the lowest note, it's in first inversion. If the fifth (or top note) is the lowest note, it's in second inversion.