MusicianCV · TRDistinguishing root and bass
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Voicing and performance
A chord’s root need not be its lowest sounding note. Putting the third in the bass creates first inversion; putting the fifth there creates second inversion.
Use inversions to explore bass motion and connections between chords. Minimal movement is an option, not a universal rule for good arranging.
Example
G–B–D is root position. B–D–G is first inversion of the same triad.
Distinguishing root and bassC E G → E G C
Try it
Which note is the bass in C/E?
Answer
E; the chord root remains C.Related topics
Voicing the same chord differently · Leading voices between chordsReferences
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
Subject-expert review pending.