**Triad inversion** refers to the rearrangement of the notes of a [[triads|triad]] so that the lowest note (or **bass**) is not the root of the triad. Any given triad may be in one of three **bass positions** according to which member of the triad is in the bass. As shown in **Example 1**, when the root is in the bass, the triad is in **root position**. When the third is in the bass, the triad is in **first inversion**. And when the fifth is in the bass, the triad is in **second inversion**. **Example 1.** F major triad in three positions. ![[example f major triad in three positions.png]] A triad’s bass position is determined solely by its lowest-sounding note regardless of how its upper notes are arranged. Thus, all three F major triads shown in **Example 2** are in first inversion. **Example 2.** Three F major triads in first inversion. ![[example triad three f major triads in first inversion.png]] ## Labeling Inversions ### Chord Symbols [[Chord symbols]] indicate inversions by adding a slash (/) and the lowest note of the chord after its root if the chord is not in root position. As shown in **Example 3**, the note after the slash indicates the lowest sounding note in the triad if it is not in root position. **Example 3.** E major triad in three positions with chord symbols. ![[example e major triad in three positions with chord symbols.png]] ### Figured Bass Inversions can also be labeled using [[figured bass]] symbols, Arabic numerals that indicate the intervals formed between the bass and the notes above it. **Example 4** shows an E major triad in three positions with their corresponding figured bass symbols: root position $\mathrm{(^5_3)}$, first inversion $\mathrm{(^6_3)}$, and second inversion $\mathrm{(^6_4)}$. **Example 4.** E major triad in three positions with figured bass symbols. ![[example e major triad in three positions with figured bass symbols.png]] For the sake of clarity and to save time and ink, these symbols are frequently abbreviated. **Example 5** shows the abbreviated figured bass symbols for the three positions of an E major triad and their corresponding chord symbols. Take note that the absence of a figured bass symbol implies a triad, whereas first inversion is indicated by $\mathrm{^6}$ and second inversion by $\mathrm{^6_4}$. **Example 5.** E major triad in three positions with chord and abbreviated figured bass symbols. ![[example e major triad in three positions with chord and abbreviated figured bass symbols.png]]