CH 7- Chord Inversions and Progressions

Root Position

When the root of a chord Is the lowest note of a chord, that chord is in:

Inversion

When the third, fifth, or seventh scale degree is in the bass note

Classical style

Labels a inverted chord with a 6 as a subscript and another that shows the interval between the lowest note and the root of the chord

Modern Style

Labels chord inversions as X/X “X OVER X” ex. C/E

First Inversion

If a chord has the third in the bass and is labeled as I₆ or X/X, it is in:

Second Inversion

If a chord has the fifth in the bass and is labeled as I⁶_4, that chord is in:

First Inversion Seventh chord

A chord labeled as V⁶₅ / G7/B shows that it is a:

Second Inversion Second Chord

A chord labeled as V⁴₃ / G7/D shows that it is a:

Third inversion seventh chord

A chord labeled as V₂/ G7/F shows that it is a:

Chord Progression

A movement of chords from one point to another

Tonic

Point of resolution that carries the most weight and importance

Solar Harmony

Idea that all chord rotate around a central chord with different degrees of pull

Primary Chords

Three chords used to spell out and harmonize the key in a major key (I, IV, V)

Secondary Chords

Three minor chords used to embellish primary chords and give chord progressions variety (ii, iii, vi)

Chord Ladder

Device that shows the relationship between all the diatonic chords in a key

harmonic gravity

The idea that all chords in some way fall to the one chord at the end

Ladder of fifths

Chord progression chart similar to circle of fifths that lists fifth-based movements from the tonic chord up (iii-vi-ii-V-I)