Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

These symbols may be reduced even further as follows. Here, the root of the triad is F.

• In root position, the figured bass is left blank; the fifth and the third above the bass are assumed.


• In first inversion, only the number “6” is given to represent “6/3”; the third above the bass is assumed.


• In second inversion, both numbers are written (“6/4”) in order to differentiate this inversion from the first
  inversion.

Exercise 10—Class Exercise

Complete the triad above the given note using the figured bass symbols written below the staff. Identify the
letter name and quality of the triad. For this exercise do not add accidentals.
Note: a “6” written below the staff should not be confused with the jazz label “6” where the interval of the
sixth is added to a root position triad.

Example 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

66 6 6 6

444

FM ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

353

INVERSIONS OF TRIADS

Root 1st 2nd

(Left blank) 6

4

6

666

4

6

4

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____