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

In root position, the root, which is the note that names the chord, is the lowest note.

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

Rewrite each chord in root position, and name the original position of the chord.

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

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

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