What is the first inversion of a triad?

Study for the Praxis Music Content and Instruction (5114) Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions and materials, complete with explanations and clarifications. Master the content and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the first inversion of a triad?

Explanation:
First inversion means the triad is voiced with its third as the lowest sounding note. A triad is built from root, third, and fifth. In root position the bass is the root. When the third becomes the lowest note, that’s the first inversion. The fifth in the bass would be a second inversion, and a seventh in the bass signals a seventh-chord bass, not a triad. So describing the third in the bass correctly identifies the first inversion.

First inversion means the triad is voiced with its third as the lowest sounding note. A triad is built from root, third, and fifth. In root position the bass is the root. When the third becomes the lowest note, that’s the first inversion. The fifth in the bass would be a second inversion, and a seventh in the bass signals a seventh-chord bass, not a triad. So describing the third in the bass correctly identifies the first inversion.

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