Topmusicanswers
The Roman numeral system can also indicate inversions. First inversion is represented by a small 6 after the numeral. This is due to the root being a generic sixth above the bass note. Second inversion is represented with both a small 6 and 4.
- What are the inversion symbols?
- How do you write an inverted Roman numeral chord?
- What is a 5 3 inversion?
What are the inversion symbols?
Figured bass
| Triads | |
|---|---|
| Inversion | Symbol |
| 1st inversion | 6 5 |
| 2nd inversion | 4 3 |
| 3rd inversion | 4 2 or 2 |
How do you write an inverted Roman numeral chord?
When a chord is in first inversion, we add “b” to the Roman numeral. (An “a” can be added to indicate that a chord is in root position; e.g. Ia, IVa, or Va; but generally the Roman numeral is used alone to indicate that it is in root position.)
What is a 5 3 inversion?
For example, a "5" and a "3" below a bass note would indicate that this bass should be the root of a triad (which contains the 5th and the 3rd above that bass note). But figured bass was usually further abbreviated; 5/3 being so common it was just assumed if not written.
