(TDI) Triad Inversion Module Overview

Triad Inversion

08_TriadInversions.pngA chord's inversion describes the relationship of its bass to the other tones in the chord. An inversion of a chord is determined by which triad tone is the bottom note (the bass) of a chord. In this module we will learn how to construct triads in first and second inversion as well as identify them aurally. We will also learn the concept of inversion figured bass notation and continue to develop skills in harmonic dictation.

Essential Questions

  • How do you construct a triad in root position?
  • How do you construct a triad in first inversion?
  • How do you construct a triad in second inversion?
  • How do you use correct chord symbols in figured bass notation for first inversion triads?
  • How do you use correct chord symbols in figured bass notation for second inversion triads?

Key Terms

  1. Figured Bass - is a kind of musical notation in which numerals and symbols indicate intervals, chords, and non-chord tones above the bass.
  2. First Inversion - is the voicing of a triad with the third of the chord in the bass.
  3. Harmonic Dictation - is the skill of writing the soprano line, bass line and Roman numeral analysis of a 4-part chord progression that is played a certain amount of times.
  4. Second Inversion - is the voicing of a triad with the fifth of the chord in the bass.
  5. Root Position – is the voicing of a triad with the root of the chord in the bass.

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