In a triad, if the lowest sounding pitch is the root, the chord is in which position?

• A. Root position chord
• B. First inversion
• C. Second inversion
• D. Third inversion

Answer: (A)

In triads, the position is defined by which chord tone is in the bass. When the lowest pitch is the root, the chord is in root position. The notes above the bass form a third and a fifth, but the defining feature is the root in the bass. If the lowest note were the third, it would be first inversion; if it were the fifth, it would be second inversion. Third inversion is used for seventh chords, not triads. So the lowest sounding pitch being the root means the chord is in root position.