Understanding Chord/Bass Symbols

Review: Parts of a Chord Symbol

Chord symbols can include up to five parts. Each part is color coded for easier identification.

1. Note Name The name of the root of the chord. All chord symbols include the note name.
2. Modifier Describes the type of triad if it is not major. No modifier means the chord is major. Common modifiers are: m or - = minor, dim or o = diminished, aug or + = augmented.
3. Extensions Notes added to the triad by stacking 3rds to make more complex chords. The number represents the interval from the root of the triad to the highest extension. The most common extension is 7 which represents a 7th chord. 7th chord extensions are assumed to be minor 7 unless otherwise noted. We will study 7th chords in a later level.
4. Alterations Changes to the typical triad structure, such as suspensions or notes that are raised or lowered or added. The most common extensions are: sus = suspended 3rd, ♭5 = flatten the 5th of the triad, add9 = add a 9th to the triad.
5. Bass if the bottom note of the chord is not the root of the chord, a forward slash followed by the note name of the bass will be added at the end.

For more review on Chord Symbols see Understanding Chord Symbols.

Inverted Triads Writen As Chord Symbols

• Root Position Triads: Since the Root of the triad and the Bass of the triad are the same, we do not add a forward slash and bass note. These are the types of Chord Symbols we have been using so far.
  Example: C
• First Inversion Triads: The Root of the triad and the Bass of the triad are not the same. We need to add a forward slash and bass note. The bass note will be the third of the triad.
  Example: C/E
• Second Inversion Triads: The Root of the triad and the Bass of the triad are not the same. We need to add a forward slash and bass note. The bass note will be the fifth of the triad.
  Example: C/G

To review triad inversions see Understanding Triad Inversions.

How to Identify an Inverted Triad Using Chord Symbols

1. Stack the notes of the triad in 3rds to determine the root position triad. In the above example we move the top note down an octave to place it in root position.
    
2. The Note Name of the symbol will be the root of the chord. In the above example, the root is B. (Remember: the root of a chord is the lowest note when the chord is in root position.)
3. If the chord is not a major chord, add the correct Modifier. In the above example the triad is diminished so the modifier is ^o or dim.
4. If the chord is not in root position, add a forward slash and the name of the Bass. In the original example (before we stacked it in thirds) the bass was a D so the full chord symbol is B^o/D or Bdim/D.

How to Notate an Inverted Triad from a Chord Symbol

Build an Fm/C triad.

1. Build the triad using the Note Name as the root. In the above example the note name is F so the root of the triad is F.
  
2. Add the 3rd and 5th of the triad by stacking thirds above the root. We do that below by adding an A and C above the F.
    
3. Make sure the triad is the correct quality (major, minor, diminished, or augmented) based on the Modifier. Remember: no modifier means the triad is major. In this example the modifier is minor, so we need to add a flat to the A to create a minor triad.
     
4. Place the correct note in the bass. The note name following the forward slash should be the lowest sounding note (bass). In this example the bass in the chord symbol is a C, so we need to move the C down an octave so that it is the lowest sounding note.
         
   Remember: it is not necessary to place the triad in close position unless you wish to do so. All that matters is that the correct note is in the bass.

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