hello
Music Theory in practice grade 5 by Eric Taylor..
In the example on page 31 section H Naming Chords. It shows examples in Bflat Major of IIb , V and I
chords. I think I,ve worked things out part of the way but need help on the following.
It has been said that a chord on the tonic could be shown as 5/3.
In the example of the tonic chord it shows in the bass a Bflat and a D above middle C. In the treble clef an F and a further Bflat. I have taken the D F and B flat as the triad but count this as 6/4.

In the previous chord on the V. The notes are F C F A . If I ignore the first F then we have a triad CFA . I worked this out to be the 2nd inversion of the dominant chord. This worked out ok at 6/4.

I am probably talking rubbish here and making things too difficult. Can anyone help..

BFN Mike

If I've understood you correctly, this answer will make sense:

The inversion of a chord is determined solely by the bass note. The notes above it can be in any order and repeat the same note as the bass - it doesn't matter. Assuming we are in B-flat major:

If B-flat is the bottom note, it's not inverted, 5/3
If D is the bottom note, it's in first inversion, 6/3
If F is the bottom note, it's in second inversion, 6/4

So in your examples, you appear to be ignoring the bass note and 'picking' the triad you use. That's incorrect, you MUST use the bass note to determine the inversion.

Hope that helps

Hello Trebor
I think I follow that. It confused me that the bass note was a compound third from the d above.
If I squashed it all up to b d f then I get the 5/3 I am looking for. I must go back and rework the other parts of the example ..thanks again.
BFN Mike

I don't get it....why are you wearing sunglasses and a hat to do theory?

Trying to inject some interest into the proceedings?

Hello I'm doing my theory in Italy near the Lakes. The weather is wonderful.
Only kidding...
BFN Mike