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

Write a triad in root position using each root given.

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

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

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 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

Rewrite them in root position first if that helps.

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