In a triad in second inversion, which note is in the bass?

In a triad in second inversion, which note is in the bass?

• A. Fifth
• B. Root
• C. Third
• D. Seventh

Answer: (A)

In a triad, the positions are defined by which chord tone sits in the bass. A triad has three tones: root, third, and fifth. In root position the root is in the bass; in the first inversion the third is in the bass; in the second inversion the fifth is in the bass. So when a triad is in second inversion, the lowest note is the fifth of the chord. For example, a C major triad is C–E–G; in second inversion the bass is G, which is the fifth. The option mentioning the seventh isn’t applicable to a triad, since triads don’t include a seventh.

In a triad, the positions are defined by which chord tone sits in the bass. A triad has three tones: root, third, and fifth. In root position the root is in the bass; in the first inversion the third is in the bass; in the second inversion the fifth is in the bass. So when a triad is in second inversion, the lowest note is the fifth of the chord. For example, a C major triad is C–E–G; in second inversion the bass is G, which is the fifth. The option mentioning the seventh isn’t applicable to a triad, since triads don’t include a seventh.