In a triad in first inversion, which scale degree is in the bass?

• A. Root
• B. Third
• C. Fifth
• D. Seventh

Answer: (B)

In a triad, the notes are the root, the third, and the fifth. When you put a triad in the first inversion, the lowest note becomes the third of the chord. So the bass is the third scale degree relative to the triad’s root. For example, the C major triad is C–E–G; in root position the bass is C, but in the first inversion the bass is E. Since a triad doesn’t include a seventh, that option isn’t applicable.