Identify a chord inversion after hearing its root position.
The first chord establishes the root and quality. The second uses the same three pitch classes in a different voicing. Identify whether its bass is the root, third, or fifth.
First inversion
Sounding pitches: D4 · F#4 · A4 · F#4 · A4 · D5
Use the reference chord to establish root and quality before the target voicing arrives. Locate the target’s lowest member relative to that root.
The first chord establishes D4 as the root of a major triad. The second chord has F#4 in the bass: first inversion. Its pitch classes stay the same.
Root position
Sounding pitches: D4 · F#4 · A4 · D4 · F#4 · A4
Compare the target voicings while retaining the reference. A changed bass does not require a changed root.
The first chord establishes D4 as the root of a major triad. The second chord has D4 in the bass: root position. Its pitch classes stay the same.
For aural examples, sounding pitch names are a listening reference. Written-note exercises preserve the displayed spelling.
Check the idea: Name the target inversion relative to the supplied chord root.
Remember the reference root, then identify root, third, or fifth in the target bass before choosing an inversion.
Identify the target inversion in each new context. Separate the reference chord from the chord that receives your answer.
Work from a freshly generated root and target voicing. Do not use the bass register of the previous chord as a shortcut.
Each session starts with two guided questions, then your chosen practice set, followed by two new questions at a different tempo. First answers, same-question retries, and the final check have separate results.
Begin this lesson90 quarter-note BPM · 4/4 · With guidance
Root position, First inversion
Practice this level95 quarter-note BPM · 4/4 · Fewer hints
Root position, First inversion, Second inversion
Practice this level100 quarter-note BPM · 4/4 · Fewer hints
Root position, First inversion, Second inversion
Practice this levelThe teacher pack includes 10 fixed questions, replay controls, a student sheet, and a separate answer key. The printed key and downloaded JSON use the same questions.
Original synthesized audio · A4 = 440 Hz · mono, 48 kHz WAV.
These references explain the underlying definitions. The examples and practice sequences here are generated for Earstep.