Music Theory: Intro to Chords in Inversion

In this music theory lesson we discuss the idea of chords in inversion, which involves voicing triads where the bass note is a chord member OTHER than the root.

We’ll introduce how to correctly part-write 1st inversion triads (the 3rd of the triad in the bass) and how to part-write 2nd inversion triads (the 5th of the triad in the bass). Finally, we’ll examine music that uses chords in inversion, conducting a harmonic analysis (labeling its harmonies using Roman numerals).

Although the video refers to specific examples found in a standard harmony text, what is presented here may be applied universally.

Dr. Scott Watson teaches in the School of Music at Cairn University (Langhorne, PA). To investigate how YOU can unlock your musical talents at this Philadelphia-area Christian liberal arts university, please visit: https://cairn.edu/academics/music