A triad in which the third is the lowest sounding pitch is called which inversion?

Prepare for the NBCT Music Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam by mastering the essential concepts!

Multiple Choice

A triad in which the third is the lowest sounding pitch is called which inversion?

Explanation:
Inversions describe which chord tone sits in the bass. If the lowest note is the triad’s third, that places the chord in its first inversion. Root position has the root in the bass, and second inversion has the fifth in the bass. So when the third is the lowest sounding pitch, you’re hearing the triad in first inversion. For example, a C major triad voiced with E in the bass (E–G–C) sounds as first inversion.

Inversions describe which chord tone sits in the bass. If the lowest note is the triad’s third, that places the chord in its first inversion. Root position has the root in the bass, and second inversion has the fifth in the bass. So when the third is the lowest sounding pitch, you’re hearing the triad in first inversion. For example, a C major triad voiced with E in the bass (E–G–C) sounds as first inversion.

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