INVERSION OF TRIADS.
A chord is inverted when a factor other than the fundamental is in the bass. The first inversion of the triad is where we have the third in the bass. It is called the chord of the sixth, because the fundamental is the sixth of the bass. This chord is figured by a small Arabic figure (⁶) over the bass note, the Roman numeral under the bass showing the fundamental. Examples:—
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The second inversion of the triad has the fifth in the bass and is called the chord of the sixth and fourth, or six-four chord, because the fundamental is the fourth of the bass. This chord is figured by the small Arabic figures (64) over the bass, the Roman numeral under the bass showing the fundamental. Examples:—
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THE SEVENTH CHORD.
The seventh chord is obtained by adding the seventh of the fundamental to any triad. A seventh chord may be formed on each degree of the major and minor scales. It is figured with the Roman numerals below the bass and a small Arabic (7) over the bass. The notation of the seventh chords on each degree of the major and minor scales follows:—