Chords in the key of C
Root Position and 1st Inversion.
The note the chord is built on is called the root. When a chord is in root position, the root goes in the Bass. e.g. A chord of C is built on the note C. C is the root of the chord. Put C in the Bass when you use this chord in root position. Write it as C or I (roman numerals)
Sometimes we use chords in 1st inversion. This means putting the 2nd note of the chord in the Bass. e.g. Chord of C in 1st inversion means put E in the Bass. This is written as C/E, or Ib (R.N.)
The note the chord is built on is called the root. When a chord is in root position, the root goes in the Bass. e.g. A chord of C is built on the note C. C is the root of the chord. Put C in the Bass when you use this chord in root position. Write it as C or I (roman numerals)
Sometimes we use chords in 1st inversion. This means putting the 2nd note of the chord in the Bass. e.g. Chord of C in 1st inversion means put E in the Bass. This is written as C/E, or Ib (R.N.)
When do we use inversions?
i) We are not allowed have the same chord twice in succession, but we can if its in a "different position". This means we can have C (I) followed by C/E (Ib) or
vice versa.
ii) Sometimes there are "stock phrases" (formulae) that work well by using inversions. e.g. There are many other examples.
i) We are not allowed have the same chord twice in succession, but we can if its in a "different position". This means we can have C (I) followed by C/E (Ib) or
vice versa.
ii) Sometimes there are "stock phrases" (formulae) that work well by using inversions. e.g. There are many other examples.
As a very rough guide, about 16 or 17 of the 20
chords would be root position with about 3 or 4 inversions.
chords would be root position with about 3 or 4 inversions.