In chord theory, what is the term for a triad in which the root is the lowest sounding pitch?

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

Answer: (B)

Root position is when the root is the lowest sounding pitch. In a triad this is the basic, un-inverted form, with the notes stacked as root, third, and fifth from bottom to top. If you put the third in the bass, you create the first inversion; if you put the fifth in the bass, you create the second inversion. Third inversion doesn’t apply to triads—it's a term used for seventh chords that have four notes and can place the seventh in the bass. So the term for a triad with the root as the lowest pitch is a root position chord.