root position

American  

noun

Music.

1. the position of a triad in which the root is in the bass.

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root position British  

noun

1. music the vertical distribution of the written notes of a chord in which the root of the chord is in the bass See position inversion

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Etymology

Origin of root position

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

root position

Write a triad in root position using each root given.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

So the simplest way to write a triad is as a stack of thirds, in root position.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Rewrite them in root position first if that helps.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Now see if you can identify these chords that are not necessarily in root position.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Here is a summary of the intervals in triads in root position.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones