root position

noun

Music.

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

root position

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of root position¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

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

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

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Write a triad in root position using each root given.

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

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

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